On 7 October 2026, the St James Parish Court fined 76-year-old Washington Hylton, a London resident, a total of $17,000 after eight ounces of ganja were found in his suitcase.[1]
The Jamaica Observer reported that Hylton was preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight from Sangster International Airport to Heathrow when his luggage was searched on 1 October.[1] At about 10:15 a.m., he acknowledged having ganja when asked if he had anything to declare, and the suitcase search uncovered the eight-ounce bag.[1] The eight ounces were about 227 grams.[1]
Hylton pleaded guilty to possession and attempting to export ganja, and was also charged with dealing; the court offered no evidence on the dealing charge.[1] The judge imposed a $2,000 fine or ten days in prison for possession, and $15,000 or 30 days for attempting to export the cannabis.[1]
During mitigation, his attorney, Delford Morgan, said Hylton believed the amount was allowed and that he intended to take five Jamaican herbs, including cannabis, to England for medicinal use.[1]
