The eight cruise ship passengers who tried to transport over $100 million worth of cocaine out of Jamaica have avoided a prison sentence.
They were fined a total of $9.4 million in the St .Ann Parish Court on Thursday, and will have to serve up to 12 months in prison if the fines are not paid.
The seven Americans and one Jamaican, who reside in the United States, pleaded guilty earlier this month to possession of and attempting to export cocaine.
They are Haley Lawrence; Kaley Hal; Yakine Jones; Jamari Kitchin; Troy Craig; Javonte Johnson; Takelia Hooks; and Tyshaena Rinson – pleaded guilty earlier this month to possession of and taking steps to export cocaine.
Last month, the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force reported that the eight disembarked the vessel that arrived in Ocho Rios from Miami, Florida.
Upon re-boarding the vessel at 1:30 p.m. for departure, anomalies were detected in their luggage.
During a search, members of the Narcotics Division discovered 24 packages containing cocaine weighing just over 17 kilograms hidden in their luggage.
The passengers were charged for violating the Dangerous Drugs Act.
