WHAT POSSESSED THEM Canadian women caught smuggling drugs into Barbados

Posted on 04/11/2016 | About Barbados

Three Canadian women who pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges in Barbados last week have returned home after paying tens of thousands in dollars in fines to avoid jail terms.

A fourth woman, who was part of the group and also pleaded guilty to the same charges, was expected to return to Canada separately over the weekend after paying her fine. 

Royal Barbados Police say 35-year-old Charlette Blackman, 24-year-old Natalie Linton, 20-year-old Paige Amber Clark and a 17-year-old girl flew into Barbados on March 29th. 

The four were taken into custody at the airport after customs officials found marijuana hidden in boxes in their luggage. Police wouldn't say what had prompted customs officials to search the women. 

The arrests came just days after another Canadian woman, 24-year-old student Brittany Kotler, was arrested after being found with just under six kilograms of marijuana in her luggage. 

Police say Kotler also pleaded guilty to several drug-related charges but remains in custody.