Case management hearing set in driver’s cocaine case
MONTEGO BAY, St James — A Westmoreland man who was arrested following the seizure of more than 40 pounds of cocaine is scheduled to appear in court for a case management hearing on July 1.
Little London resident Christopher Keddo, identified in court documents as a bus driver, appeared before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, where the new court date was set.
The 51-year-old faces multiple charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act including possession of cocaine, dealing, trafficking, taking steps preparatory to exporting cocaine, conspiracy to export cocaine, and possession of criminal property.
Legal representation for Keddo is being provided by attorneys Chrishana Fregenette and Martyn Thomas.
During the court proceedings, Thomas raised the issue of two cell phones seized at the time of Keddo’s arrest, enquiring whether the police had any further interest in the devices. The investigating officer confirmed there was no ongoing interest, and presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton ordered that the phones be returned to the defendant.
The judge also directed that all relevant prosecution documents be provided to the defence by June 19.
Bail for Keddo was extended until the next hearing date.
According to court records, law enforcement officers acted on intelligence and conducted a search at a location in Rose Hall, St James, on January 6. Keddo was observed sitting beside a Hiace bus. Upon searching the vehicle, officers reportedly discovered 17 parcels containing approximately 42 pounds of cocaine.
Keddo was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged.
At a previous court appearance, then presiding judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce enquired about the evidence connecting Keddo to the bus. The court clerk stated that Keddo had admitted to being the driver and that he had been instructed to deliver the item to a specific destination in Trelawny.
However, Fregenette told the court that her client denies those allegations and has offered another account of what happened, leading the defence to opt for a full trial.
