Robert Chin spared prison time for cocaine charges

Fifty-five-year-old Robert Chin, who was caught attempting to smuggle 26.5 pounds of cocaine to the United States in his luggage, was spared prison time after he was fined $813,000 in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Chin, who is of a Mona, St Andrew, address, was ordered to pay $800,000 or spend two years in prison for possession of cocaine and $13,000 or 30 days for attempting to export cocaine, when he appeared for sentencing today before Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake Powell.

He was admonished and discharged on the charges of dealing in cocaine and conspiracy to export cocaine.

Chin, who is the brother of Member of Parliament Mikael Phillips, was nabbed at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston in January 2023.

King's Counsel Peter Champagnie had asked the court to impose a non-custodial sentence as his client is undergoing dialysis treatment for renal failure and he presented medical documents.

Champagnie also asked the court to bear in mind that Chin had pleaded guilty, had a good social enquiry report and had travelled overseas while on bail and had returned.

Chin was attempting to board a flight to the United States of America about 7 a.m. on January 2, 2023, when a search of his luggage was conducted and the illicit drug, with an estimated street value of US$600,000, was allegedly found.

Chin was later arrested and charged.

Attorney-at-law Patrice Riley also represented Chin.

- Tanesha Mundle

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