Three US Tourists Fined for Importing Marijuana at PGIA

Three American tourists were detained overnight but are now free to continue their vacation in Belize after being fined for importing marijuana. The women, 24-year-old Iyahna Rayside, 26-year-old Arisa Philson, and 29-year-old Alliah Kemp were arrested at Philip Goldson International Airport yesterday. Police found Philson with 17.35 grams of marijuana, Rayside with 12.41 grams, and Kemp with 3.0 grams. Today, the trio appeared before Magistrate Ludlow Black and pleaded guilty to importing a controlled drug. Black explained that while Belizean law allows for personal possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis, importing the substance is a separate offense. Considering their guilty pleas, lack of prior convictions, and the number of drugs, Black issued a non-custodial sentence. Each woman was fined $300 plus a $5 court cost, with an order to pay immediately or face three months in prison. The women paid their fines and were seen hugging a fourth friend they had been traveling with. They have since been released and are continuing their visit.