Dexta Daps was released from the Hunts Bay Police Station lock-up in St Andrew yesterday, without being charged. The dancehall singjay had been detained in a joint police operation since April 8.

“I can confirm that he was released earlier today [yesterday],” lead attorney Peter Champagnie QC told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. “He is obviously relieved and exhausted, and just wish to have a private moment.”

The singjay was also represented by attorney Kemar Robinson.

Champagnie said Dexta Daps had a tribunal hearing scheduled for today.

“So on the eve of that he was released. What this means is that we do not have to go back to court. We do not have to go to the tribunal and he has not been charged with anything. Therefore, he is free,” said Champagnie.

“Having said that, I am concerned with the number of individuals who have been detained under the state of emergency, purportedly on information. But these individuals, bearing in mind the [novel coronavirus] pandemic, do not have access to lawyers to file the necessary objections and to proceed to a hearing. Sadly, many of them resign themselves to take the position that they will stay there until they are released and this can go into months and it is an injustice,” he continued.

Dexter Daps’s given name is Louis Grandison.

According to the police, Dexta Daps and several other people were brought in for questioning with regard to gang-related activities in the St Andrew South Police Division.

The Seaview-based artiste is known for songs, including Shabba Madda Pot, 7Eleven, and Chinese Jordan.