Two Jamaican nationals received prison sentences for their roles in importing more than 800 pounds of ganja to Cayman.[1] Xavier Shane Watson, 43, pleaded guilty to importation of ganja, cannabis oil and cannabis resin and was sentenced to 30 months in prison by Magistrate Valdis Foldats.[1] Malson Campbell, 66, pleaded guilty to the same three importation charges and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.[1] Radio Jamaica confirmed that Watson was sentenced to 30 months while Campbell received 28 months for importing more than 800 pounds of ganja.[2]

The pair and a third co-conspirator, Dalton Alphonso Wright, were apprehended on 18 March on a boat located 11.5 nautical miles away from Grand Cayman.[1][3] During a brief chase, Watson and Campbell were seen throwing packages overboard which were later determined to contain ganja.[1][3] Police recovered 810 pounds of ganja (about 367.4 kg), 1.29 grammes of cannabis oil and 2.1 pounds of cannabis resin (about 0.95 kg) once the vessel was stopped.[1] Crown counsel Darlene Oko said the street value of the ganja was CI$939,000, but neither Watson nor Campbell played a leading role in the operation.[1]

Magistrate Foldats said importation of ganja carries a four-year starting point and gave Campbell credit for good character while giving Watson partial credit for having no drug-related convictions.[1] Campbell received six months off plus a full one-third reduction for an early guilty plea to reach 28 months, while Watson received three months off plus the same reduction to reach 30 months.[1] Both men also received concurrent six-month sentences for importation of cannabis oil and cannabis resin.[1] Dalton Alphonso Wright is to appear in court on 20 June on the importation charges plus possession of an imitation firearm with intent and reckless and negligent acts after allegedly brandishing a firearm at officers and ramming their boat.[1]

The seized packages were first weighed at 900 pounds before completed drug certificates amended the charge weight to 810 pounds of ganja.[3]