ST JAMES, Jamaica – The absence of one of the defence attorneys has hampered the case against a St James couple arrested last June after $85 million worth of cocaine was allegedly found at their home.

Sheena and Chad Headley, who are charged with possession of, dealing in, and taking steps to export 25 pounds of cocaine, had their case rescheduled for July 14 when they appeared in the St James Parish Court on Friday.

Chad Headley’s attorney Martyn Thomas stated that during Friday’s proceedings that Sheena Headley’s attorney Peter Champagnie would not be present, explaining that he was out of the country.

“The defence would respectfully request an adjournment, as Mr Champagnie had to travel overseas for a personal emergency. We communicated this to the prosecution and have agreed on a new date,” Thomas told presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley.

“We need to make a start soon, as we are not going to go to September [for the start of the trial],” said Smith-Ashley.

“Of course not, your honour, we were canvassing July 14 as the next court date,” Thomas replied.

Judge Smith-Ashley then scheduled their next court appearance on July 14 and, through attorney Thomas, cautioned the couple that they must comply with their bail condition of not obstructing the prosecution of the case.

“I would like to remind your clients that bail is not an absolute right, so if at any time there is an interference in the process of justice, whether directly or indirectly, this court does not take kindly to that sort of thing,” Smith-Ashley told Thomas.

The allegations are that on June 15, 2022, a team of officers from the Area One Narcotics Police Division conducted an operation at the Headleys’ premises in Goodwill, St James.

During the search, 10 rectangular-shaped packages with 25 pounds of cocaine were reportedly found in the trunk of a Toyota Prado SUV belonging to Sheena Headley.

She was arrested and charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

The Narcotics Police later issued a release asking Chad Headley to report to the Summit Police Station in Montego Bay, St James, and identified him as a person of interest who could assist in their investigation. He was later arrested and charged.