ST JAMES, Jamaica — What should have been a simple food drop-off has spiralled into a criminal case with high-stakes implications for Kenneth Richards, who now stands accused of trying to smuggle drugs into the Montego Bay Freeport lockup. The contraband was allegedly tucked beneath a dumpling.

The 43-year-old appeared before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to three charges: possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, and introducing a prohibited article into a correctional institution.

According to court documents, the incident unfolded on June 12 when Richards arrived at the facility claiming to bring a meal for an inmate. But during a standard security check, officers reportedly made a startling find. Hidden under a dumpling in the food container was a small plastic bag containing what appeared to be approximately eight ounces of ganja, as well as tobacco.

The search team acted swiftly, seizing the illicit package before it could make its way into the cell block.

Richards, upon being cautioned, allegedly blurted out, “Oh God, a mi uncle put it in deh, but mi tek responsibility.”

During the brief hearing, the court clerk informed Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton that the prosecution was still awaiting critical documents, including the forensic certificate, to confirm the nature of the substance and the chain of custody statement to validate handling of the evidence.

With those pieces still missing, the judge adjourned the case for mention on July 30 and ordered that Richards’ bail be extended until then.