A Westmoreland man who attempted to ship cocaine overseas through a courier service company was fined $1.5 million when he appeared in St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Andre Cooper, 35, of Savanna-la-Mar, was sentenced by presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton.

He was charged with possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine.

During his mitigation plea, Cooper’s attorney, Shane Walker, cited a social inquiry report that emphasised his client’s positive societal contributions.

The report also included testimonials from community members who described Cooper as industrious.

The lawyer further stated that Cooper was unaware of what was in the package, but could have enquired about its contents.

Additionally, Walker asserted that the community believes Cooper was set up, as there is no knowledge of his involvement in illegal activities.

Walker then requested a sentence that would take into consideration the potential impact it may have Cooper’s son, who relies on him for support.

“I asked that you not send him to jail,” the attorney said.

In response to Walker’s mitigation plea, the judge stated that the offence is too prevalent in our society and emphasised the need to convey a strong message that such practices will not be tolerated.

She then fined the defendant $400,000 or three months in jail for possession of cocaine, $500,000 or six months in jail for dealing in cocaine, and $600,000 or six months in jail for attempting to export cocaine, with the sentences to run concurrently if the fines are not paid.

The court was told that on October 26, 2023, Cooper went to a courier service company in Montego Bay, St James, with the intention of sending a package to an international address. Upon inspection, the package was found to contain more than one pound of cocaine.

After the drug was discovered, law enforcement officials took Cooper into custody on November 2, 2023.

He was subsequently charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

When cautioned, Cooper reportedly said to the police, “Yes, I went to ship the package, but I didn’t know what was in it.”