British nationals plead guilty to cocaine smuggling

Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Two British nationals who reportedly attempted to smuggle liquid cocaine on a flight out of Jamaica last year will be sentenced in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court today, after they pleaded guilty to the offence on Friday.

Twenty-nine-year-old Jaharie Silvera, a sales representative, and his 27-year-old cousin Rene Henriquez, both of London addresses, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges of possession of, dealing in and attempting to export cocaine. However, they changed their plea to guilty last Friday, following which their case was set for sentencing today.

It is alleged that on May 11, 2013, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Silvera and Henriquez were seen at the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, with travelling bags, which were searched by officers on duty at the airport.

Silvera’s bag was found to contain 10 plastic bottles which had a green-and-blue liquid substance in them, while Henriquez’s bag had five bottles of a similar substance. Subsequent tests revealed that Silvera’s bottles had one pound and 13 ounces of cocaine in them, while Henriquez’s bottles had over 14 ounces of cocaine. Both men were arrested and charged.

Attorney-at-law Ernie Smith, who is representing both men, asked Resident Magistrate Wilson Smith to be lenient in sentencing them, as they had been tricked into carrying the contraband.

“It is clear that they are neither drug users nor dealers, but they were tricked by a combination of friends and relatives, because they had only come to Jamaica to visit distant relatives, and they were both asked to take back gifts for other persons. They were asked to take back therapeutic liquid soap,” said Smith.

“They have thrown themselves at Your Honour’s mercy, this is a case in which Your Honour could favourably consider not imposing a custodial sentence,” he added.

“I will pass sentence on the 7th of July. Their bails are extended,” replied RM Smith.

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British nationals plead guilty to cocaine smuggling

Police move to protect Chinese nationals in Jamaica

News

Thursday, August 29, 2013

THE Police High Command on Sunday met with officials of the Chinese Embassy, Chinese businessmen and members of their civic groups to discuss the frequent attacks on Chinese nationals in Jamaica, and steps being taken by the police to deal with the matter.The High Command, in updating the Chinese community on the risk assessment done by the National Intelligence Bureau, engaged them in full discussion on some of the practices that made members of their community vulnerable to crime.The police agreed to implement a raft of security measures to protect the Chinese community in Jamaica, and their businesses in particular, and announced the appointment of liaison officers to deal with issues affecting the Chinese.Assistant Commissioner of Police Devon Watkis was named as the national liaison officer and all divisional commanders will be liaison officers at their level, and are to make themselves readily available to receive calls and respond to e-mails.Both the police and members of the Chinese community agreed also to regular scheduled meetings at the High Command level as well as the divisional level to ensure the police are updated on matters that affect the Chinese and that speedy and appropriate responses are made.The police used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of the Chinese community and the value of its contribution to commerce in Jamaica, and gave the assurance that it is committed to a most comprehensive set of measures, which will assure them and their businesses in JamaicaFor their part, the Chinese promised to assist the process of communication by translating and holding discussions with their fellow countrymen on the measures agreed to on the role they will play.The frequent attacks on Chinese in Jamaica was raised by President Xi Jinping during talks with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller during her official visit to Beijing last week.Police believe Chinese in Jamaica are targeted because they travel with large amounts of cash as they do not use the formal banking system.

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Police move to protect Chinese nationals in Jamaica

Gay tested positive at US nationals

Sport

Saturday, July 27, 2013

SPRINTER Tyson Gay failed more than one drug test this year, recording one of his positives at the US championships in June, where he won the 100 and 200 metres, The Associated Press learned yesterday.Earlier this month, Gay revealed he had tested positive in an out-of-competition test he took May 16.Three people familiar with the case told the AP that Gay had multiple positives this year. One of those people said one positive came at nationals and the US Anti-Doping Agency has notified him of that result.The people did not want their names used because the doping case against Gay is ongoing and the details have not been made public.Gay’s representatives did not immediately respond to attempts by the AP to reach them.

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Gay tested positive at US nationals