Erena Washington arrested with cocaine at Sangster International Airport

Erena Washington, 30-year-old sales associate, was held with 2.3 kilograms of cocaine at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay at St James. She was arrested on the charges of drugs. 

According to police, the woman belongs to the west of Washington DC in the United States. Days after her arrest on December 4, 2023, the police managed to present her at the St James Parish Court on Thursday. 

As per sources, she made an attempt to board a flight to New York. During the security checks, the security officials found illegal drugs on her. They weighed the drugs, and it amounted to over J$11 million, which was concealed on her body.

The investigating officers immediately responded to the matter and arrested Washington on the spot. She was charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, conspiracy to export cocaine and attempting to export cocaine. 

She appeared before the court and pleaded guilty. The Magistrate fined her J$400,000, or six months imprisonment, for possession of cocaine and J$300,000, or six months imprisonment, for attempting to export cocaine. 

Washington is expected to serve a mandatory six months imprisonment for her crime. 

The news has been spread to various social media pages, and many people lauded the awareness of the investigating officers at the airport who keep their eyes on each passenger. 

While reacting to the news, a person named Deborah Cooper commented, “Another fantastic work done by airport security officers. Keep it up.”

Another user by the name of Denzil Hyah wrote, “Wow, what a work! These drug smugglers should sent to jail. Great work, officers.”

The problem of drug smuggling and trafficking puts the security of the public at risk and is a threat to national security. It ruins the lives of individuals and damages communities. Moreover, the use of flights and aircraft for cocaine trafficking also poses a risk to flight safety. 

Drug smugglers are putting the passengers’ jets at risk. Nowadays, planes are targeted to transport illegal drugs. The authorities are advised to implement strict laws and keep an eye on each passenger to ensure smooth travelling.