‘Billion’ fined $500k for ganja possession, introducing contraband into lock-up
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man has been fined $500,000 for the possession of ganja and introducing contraband into a penal institution after he was caught smuggling cigarettes, tobacco, a lighter, a nail clip and other items to inmates.
Forty-three-year-old Billion Williams, who worked as a guardsman at the lock-up, was charged with possession of ganja, conspiracy to possess ganja, conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal institution and introducing contraband into a penal institution.
Appearing before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, Williams, who was found with 2.08 ounces of ganja, pleaded guilty to all charges except introducing contraband into a penal institution. However, due to insufficient evidence, he was discharged of the conspiracy charges.
During the hearing, the prosecution revealed that Williams had introduced items including a lighter, cigarettes, tobacco, a nail clip, and other contraband, to inmates. Judge Burrell, in a sarcastic tone, commented on the inclusion of the nail clip, saying, “to think of the men in lock-up doing manicures,” but noted the serious implications of a lighter being brought into the facility.
Judge Burrell emphasised that the sentencing was intended to deter others from introducing contraband into lock-ups. Williams was sentenced to pay a fine of $500,000 or spend three months in prison.
— Carlysia Ramdeen