ST JAMES, Jamaica – A man who was arrested after a package containing a white powdery substance resembling cocaine was discovered at Kingston’s Central Sorting Office walked out of the St James Parish Court a free man on Monday after the prosecution had some difficulties with the case.

Courtney Locke of Rosemount, St James was charged with possession of, dealing in and attempting to export cocaine.

The prosecution alleged that on December 23, 2020, a package was examined at the Sorting Office and was discovered to contain 6.9 ounces of a white powdery substance resembling cocaine.

Investigations later revealed that the package was sent by the accused to an address in Bristol, Connecticut.

Locke was arrested in September 2022 and subsequently charged.

On Monday, presiding judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce questioned why the case was under her jurisdiction even though it occurred in Kingston.

Locke’s attorney, Charles Sinclair, informed the court that there were claims that the package was delivered to a post office in Montego Bay and was accepted by someone there before being transferred to Kingston. He added, however, that there was nothing disclosed to him to verify the assertion that the package was received by someone at the Montego Bay post office.

Sinclair also stated that there were numerous flaws and that many items were missing.

“I have no statement to establish that anything was received at the post office in Montego Bay. I do not have a forensic certificate, and nothing was provided regarding the scene of crime photographs, although there was a statement making reference to some photos taken,” Sinclair explained.

“There is still a gap existing in the prosecution’s case, ” the attorney added.

The judge then asked the clerk-of-court if he could declare whether the file was ready, and he answered “No”.

According to him, the crown had several issues in relation to the substance and chain of custody. He further stated that there was no statement on file indicating the initial point of contact and that there was no forensic report.

However, that did not sit well with Sinclair, who complained about the length of time it was taking the prosecution to complete the file.

“The file has been incomplete since 2020 and we are now in 2023…Why are we burdening these persons with attending court when we are not in a position to proceed to a trial to present a prima facie case against the person?” Sinclair argued.

In light of this, the clerk noted that the prosecution was having difficulty making a case, and no evidence was offered.

“During the pandemic, several persons attempted to export cocaine through our courier services…This is another way of doing it, and sometimes people get caught…Avoid any circumstance that may put you back in this position sir…You are therefore discharged…You are free to go,” the judge said to Locke before allowing him to leave the courtroom.