British woman on cocaine rap to face the court on March 20
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Brandi James, the British woman who was charged after a substance believed to be cocaine was found in her luggage at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James will go on trial in the St James Parish Court on March 20.
James, a 28-year-old data analyst, was slated to stand trial on Monday but the proceeding was delayed.
The delay was attributed to the recent delivery of the forensic certificate, chain of custody statement, and notice of intent to James’ legal counsel Henry McCurdy, which were presented in court on Monday.
Once a lawyer receives a notice of intent, a waiting period of 30 days must elapse before the trial can begin.
As a result, presiding Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce set the new trial date and extended bail for the accused.
James was charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act, after detectives from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), took her into custody during an anti-narcotics operation at the check-in area of the airport.
It was reported that James was preparing to board a flight destined for London when she was interviewed and her luggage searched.
Detectives reportedly discovered two false compartments in her suitcases.
Upon further inspection, FNID investigators found four packages containing a white powdery substance, suspected to be cocaine. The drugs reportedly weighed approximately 16 pounds.
James was taken into custody and charged after being questioned in the presence of her attorney.
