ST JAMES, Jamaica— A missing witness has resurfaced in a 17-year-old drug case and the accused, Lilliput resident Mickey Miller, was hauled back before the St James Parish Court on Friday.

The case was adjourned sine die in 2007 because the witness could not be located.

The charges stem from an incident in which Ishelle Mhlophe was held with cocaine at Sangster International Airport and implicated Miller.

They were both charged with possession of, dealing in, attempting to export and conspiracy to export three pounds and 1.91 ounces of cocaine. Miller pleaded not guilty to the charges before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley on Friday.

Mhlophe did not attend the court hearing because she fled after being granted bail. A warrant for her arrest was executed.

According to court records, on May 18, 2007 about 10:30 pm, Mhlophe was checking in to board a flight to Heathrow, London when cocaine was discovered inside two plastic bottles inside her suitcase.

The police officer enquired about the drugs, and she pointed to Miller, who was standing in a line at the airport check-in, claiming that he was the one who had given her the substance. The officer approached Miller, who he said was sweating profusely, and when he told him what the female had accused him of, he reportedly said, “She chat too much,”

The officer and Miller then approached Mhlophe, and when asked if he was the man who had given her the substance, she reportedly replied, “Yes, Mickey, you gave it to me.” The officer then asked Miller if he heard what the female accused said, to which he reportedly responded, “Yuh chat too much… If yuh did keep yuh mouth shut, you and your pickney dem would be alright.”

During the course of the proceedings on Friday, Miller insisted that he was a mere victim, but the judge pointed out that he was actually an accused person. Miller also denied making those remarks while under caution and asked for additional time to sort out his legal representation.

Smith-Ashley offered him bail in the amount of $400,000 with up to two sureties and reporting requirements. He was also ordered to report at a specific police station three days per week and surrender his travel documents. A stop order will also be imposed at all ports.

Miller is to return to court on March 26.