In what appears to be a new development in the drug trafficking business, drug dealers are travelling to Jamaica to recruit people to help in their trade.

The police have so far arrested one Trinidadian who they say recently came to the island to recruit persons to help him export 123.2kg (271lb) of ganja.

Peter Hutton, a native of the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was arrested by the Narcotics Police after he attempted to export the drug in water heaters. Hutton and three of his alleged 'recruits' were taken before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court last Friday, where he pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in, taking steps to export ganja, conspiracy to export ganja and conveyance of ganja. His co-accused, Larisha Richards, Paul Telfer and Michelle Lewis, who are also charged with the same offences, were not pleaded.

local store

It is alleged that Hutton came to the island and enlisted the help of the three accused persons. Water heaters were reportedly purchased from a local store and were dismantled and then reassembled with ganja inside. The heaters were then reportedly delivered in a truck to a warehouse at the Norman Manley International Airport for export. It is believed that this was not Hutton's first attempt to export ganja in this manner and that he had succeeded in doing so before. The police say this repeat effort helped them to nab Hutton.

Hutton is accused of approaching random persons and convincing them to join him with the promise of money.

When the matter was mentioned in court on Friday, Hutton willingly and readily indicated that he was pleading guilty to all charges. He is to be sentenced on July 21, while the others are to return to court on July 24.