MONTEGO BAY, St James — A local judge has expressed concern at the number of licensed firearm holders from overseas who are running afoul of the law in Jamaica.

“It’s happening too frequently in this country and there is a cause for concern,” said Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton

She made the comments recently as she handed a $200,000 fine (or 30 days in jail) to retired US soldier Christina Salmon who was before the St James Parish Court for unauthorised possession of ammunition.

Before delivering the sentence, Fairclough-Hylton emphasised how important it is for individuals who are authorised to carry firearms and ammunition in their home country to be cautious when visiting Jamaica. It is important, she said, for them to ensure such items are not in their possession when they leave the jurisdiction.

Salmon was reportedly held with ammunition at Sangster International Airport, and her legal defence was based on her claim that it was a mistake on her part.

She was represented by attorney-at-law Henry McCurdy who requested leniency for his client.

According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred on August 3, shortly after Salmon arrived in the island on a JetBlue flight from the United States.

The allegations are that during security screening, an unusual object was detected on the scanner. There was a detailed search of Salmon’s luggage and a magazine with 10 rounds of ammunition was found.

When cautioned, she allegedly said to the officer, “The magazine and ammunition belong to me, and it was an honest mistake… I packed my bag in a hurry and did not realise it was there because I was hurrying to catch my flight.”