'Cocaine in shoes': British woman sentenced to 9 months in Jamaica after drugs case
Teraiya Stapleton was arrested in Montego Bay in October 2024 after cocaine was found in footwear, as her mother questions the outcome
British national Teraiya Stapleton has been sentenced to nine months in prison and fined following a cocaine smuggling case in Jamaica, according to her mother.
The mother of one, in her early 20s, had been charged after drugs were allegedly found hidden in footwear at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
She had already spent time in custody awaiting trial before the sentence was handed down on Wednesday.
The outcome has prompted strong reactions online, with loved ones expressing shock at both the conviction and penalty.
In a post, her mother, Sheryl Gentles, wrote: “9 months and a 6 grand fine…God knows why this is happening.”
£6,000 is roughly JMD $1.2 million.
Teraiya’s friend, Genevieve Sanoussi, is also understood to have been sentenced.
The case continues to draw attention across the UK and Jamaica.
Teraiya was arrested in October 2024 alongside Sanoussi as they prepared to board a flight to the UK following a holiday.
Authorities alleged that more than five pounds of cocaine had been concealed inside footwear in their luggage.
According to reporting at the time, around two pounds were said to have been found in Teraiya’s suitcase, with the remainder allegedly discovered in her co-accused’s belongings.
Both women denied knowledge of the drugs, maintaining they were unaware of the contents of the items they were carrying.
The case has been widely discussed across diaspora communities, with competing narratives emerging around culpability, coercion and the risks facing young travellers.
Teraiya’s family have consistently maintained her innocence, arguing she did not knowingly transport drugs and raising concerns about the legal process.
A crowdfunding campaign was launched to support legal fees and explore options for further legal action.
Under Jamaican law, drug trafficking offences carry serious custodial sentences, and prosecutions involving foreign nationals are not uncommon.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has previously confirmed to Black Current News that it was providing consular support to the British nationals involved, though it cannot intervene in local judicial proceedings.
The case remains a stark reminder of the severe consequences attached to drug offences overseas, where legal systems, sentencing frameworks and prison conditions can differ significantly from those in the UK.
Isat Buchanan, the high-profile attorney-at-law who represented Vybz Kartel in his successful murder appeal and now serves as Member of Parliament for Eastern Portland, is understood to be acting as counsel to Teraiya.
To understand how this case unfolded, read our earlier explainer.
This story is developing
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