ST JAMES, Jamaica — A Westmoreland man is set to face trial on April 11 after allegedly attempting to ship cocaine overseas through a courier service company.

Andre Cooper, 34, of Savanna-la-Mar, received his trial date on Thursday when he appeared before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley at the St James Parish Court.

Cooper is facing charges of possession of, dealing in, attempting to export, and conspiracy to export cocaine. He is being represented by attorney-at-law Shane Walker.

When the case came up for mention on Thursday, the clerk-of-the-court informed the court that additional documents needed to be served on the defence council. These documents were essential for the trial, and the clerk assured that they would be served on the defence later that day.

Smith-Ashley subsequently set the matter for trial on April 11 and extended Cooper’s bail.

The allegations are that on October 26, 2023, Cooper went to a courier service company in Montego Bay, St James, with the intention of sending a package to an international address. Upon inspection, the package was reportedly found to contain approximately one pound and 9.56 ounces of cocaine.

After the drug was discovered, law enforcement officials took Cooper into custody on November 2. He was subsequently charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

When cautioned, Cooper reportedly said to the officer, “Yes, I went to ship the package, but I didn’t know what was in it.”