A 40-year-old American woman has pleaded guilty to cannabis possession after being intercepted at V.C. Bird International Airport while preparing to depart Antigua. According to Antigua.news, the suspect was flagged at the oversized baggage section before airport police were called to the scene.
Keishell Labeach, who had been visiting relatives on the island, was found to have several items containing cannabis concealed in her luggage. The drugs — consisting of transparent bags, capsules, and Ziploc packets — totalled 163.4 grams and were valued at an estimated $1,634.
Labeach appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, where she admitted to the offence. Her attorney, Wendel Alexander, argued that the cannabis had been left in her suitcase unintentionally. He further informed the court that his client is four months pregnant and has Antiguan heritage.
The court upheld her existing bail of $2,500, requiring two sureties but no upfront cash payment. Authorities have retained her passport pending the outcome of the case. The matter is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Monday.
