A Guyanese man who visited Jamaica with the intention to purchase ganja grown on the island for export to Guyana had his visit extended when he was sentenced to prison on ganja-related charges yesterday.

The accused,Odel Nelson, pleaded guilty, to possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja.

Nelson begged the court for leniency as he explained that he attempted to export the ganja because he wanted to sell it so that he could pay for medical expenses for his mother, who is in need of surgery.

money for surgery

He told the court that his mother suffers from fibroids and he was responsible for her and wanted the money from his dealings to end her suffering by paying for her surgery.

Nonetheless, Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey informed Nelson that he should not have broken Jamaican laws.

Before sentencing, RM Pusey commented to Nelson that, "I think you need an extended stay here."

Nelson was fined $14,000 or six months for the charge of possession, $29,200 or six months for dealing in ganja and $43,800 or six months for taking steps to export ganja.