KINGSTON, Jamaica – A defence lawyer on Wednesday cross-examined a customs officer who is serving as a witness in the case of a taxi operator accused of attempting to ship cocaine overseas through a courier service company.

The defendant, Sanchez Rodney, is on trial for possession of, dealing in, attempting to export and conspiracy to export cocaine. He is being represented by attorney-at-law Henry McCurdy.

During cross-examination, the defence lawyer delved into the specifics of the customs officer’s role in the investigation, the extent of his involvement and the witness’ awareness of the package’s condition when the drug was discovered.

The witness stated that when he saw the shipment, he noticed that the box was closed but not sealed.

“Would I be correct to say that when these packages are dealt with at the front of the office, they are not normally sealed?” McCurdy asked.

In response, the witness indicated that he was unable to comment on that.

“Did you see those packages again after examining them?” McCurdy enquired once more.

“No, I did not….and for clarity, since the handing over of that package, I never saw it again,” the witness said.

Given the witness’ extensive training and expertise in the field, McCurdy enquired whether it would be difficult to detect irregularities within a package.   The witness, in turn, stated that he had the required skills and knowledge to detect any abnormalities.

There was no additional witness called to the stand, and the case has been scheduled to continue on April 12.

Rodney’s bail was extended.

According to court records, on February 4, 2022, around 1:00 pm, the Contraband Enforcement Team was conducting security checks on outgoing shipments at a Montego Bay courier service company when a box was checked. The narcotics officers were called and the box was checked and was reportedly found to contain four ounces of cocaine.