Canadian woman caught with cocaine

Foreigners often come to these shores to enjoy the beautiful scenery, engage in cultural activities and to have a good time among others. This time around the case was different for Pearl May Taylor of Canada.

Taylor, 60, a counselor, was arrested and charged on Monday for possession and attempting to export 2,102 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of $30,000.{{more}}

She was nabbed at the E.T Joshua airport.

When Taylor appeared Wednesday at the Serious Crimes Court before Acting Magistrate, Sharda Sinanan Bollers, she pleaded guilty to both charges. Taylor, was given a one-year sentence on each charge to run concurrent then will be deported.

The court heard that Taylor arrived in the state on vacation on August 30, 2006 and was staying at the Murray Heights Hotel. Taylor, who was scheduled to leave Monday, checked in at the airport at approximately 5:30 p.m, she cleared immigration and was waiting for her flight.

PC 518 Harry, who was on duty at the airport, noticed the defendant walking to the restaurant area. Reports further stated that Officer Harry became suspicious of her movements and called Police Officer Carla Burgin. Acting on their suspicion Burgin and Harry approached Taylor, informed her of their observation and requested her permission to do a search.

They found seven packages of cocaine in her girdle to which she replied: “Officer give me a chance please”.

Defense Counsel, Grant Connel, pleaded with the court to show leniency. He admitted that his client fell into the trap of the drug trade and had been caught. He added that she was the sole breadwinner of her family in Canada and asked Magistrate Bollers to impose a fine instead and then deport her: “She is not our problem, she is Canada’s problem”.

Prosecutor, Station Sergeant Nigel Butcher did not agree: “This

kind of thing cannot be tolerated”.