A Jamaican national was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiring to import 1,250 grammes of cannabis.

On Friday, the Supreme Court heard that Albert Smith, 36, a crewman aboard the was arrested on August 5, 2003, after a large quantity of cash was found in his quarters.

An unnamed co-conspirator had been busted two days earlier in New York after the Bermuda-bound cannabis was discovered hidden in the soles a pair of sandals, in a Brillo box and in a box of oatmeal cereal.

On August 5, the arrived at Dockyard and officers boarded the ship to do a search. In Smith's cabin they discovered a large quantity of cash ? about $10,000 ? and the phone numbers of Smith's co-conspirators. Smith was then arrested for conspiracy to import cannabis.

Crown counsel Juan Wolffe told the court that the drugs had a street value of $62,500.

In his submissions to the court on Friday, Mr. Wolffe said: "Not a whole lot of weight should be given to (Smith's) guilty plea.

"He does not fall into the category of an ignorant drug courier. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and this puts him at a level quite high in drug trafficking.

"The Crown submits a sentence of between four and six years."

Defence counsel Llewellyn Peniston argued in mitigation that "no where in the evidence did (Smith) personally handle any of the drugs".

Mr. Peniston also argued that Smith co-operated with Police during the investigation.

"When he was arrested, he gave information about others involved."

He also told the court that Smith has since suffered with the emotional toll of being separated from his family.

"He is married with two six-year-olds. The children are constantly asking where their father is. It has been very difficult for the family. The defendant is unable to contribute to his childrens' upbringing."

Mr. Peniston argued for a sentence of no more than four years.

Smith told the Court: "I am sorry for whatever damages I have caused to Bermudian society and to my family. I accept my responsibilities and ask for mercy and forgiveness."

Puisne Judge Norma Wade Miller sentenced Smith to five years in jail, with time spent in prison to be taken into account.