A British resident caught trying to leave Jamaica with 9.7 kg (21.5lb) of ganja was fined a total of $270,400 and sentenced to nine months on Thursday.

Malek Jammal pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court, before Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey.

The court was told that Jammal was going back to England when his luggage was searched at the Norman Manley International Airport and the contraband found.

Jammal told the court he had gone to England to live because he and his family were facing difficulties. He said while there, times got even tougher and he was offered the opportunity to come to Jamaica. He said he had no choice but to accept, as he was practically homeless.

RM Pusey told Jammal that such transactions were not tolerated here. He was sentenced to $15,000 or six months for possession, $102,400 for dealing, and $153,000 or six months for taking steps to export the drug. In addition, he was given the nine-month sentence. If he fails to pay his fines, he will serve 15 months.