A 40-year-old Barbadian national was fined $600,000 or 18 months imprisonment, for attempting to smuggle over 1.8 kilograms of cocaine through the Sangster International Airport in St. James.

Kelvin Charles was arrested on October 26, after customs officers discovered the illicit drug, concealed in false compartments of his luggage, during security screening procedures.

Charles was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Dealing in Cocaine, and Attempting to Export Cocaine.

At his appearance in the St. James Parish Court, Charles pleaded guilty to all charges.

The court ordered that he pays $200,000 or six months imprisonment for possession of cocaine, $400,000 or six months imprisonment for attempting to export cocaine, as well as six months mandatory imprisonment.  

He was discharged of the Dealing in Cocaine charge. 

Charles was ordered to pay the fines immediately or serve prison time.