KINGSTON, Jamaica — The inspector charged with offences relating to a January 8 drug bust reportedly told lawmen not to search his vehicle because there was cocaine inside and that people would be “exposed”, the prosecution revealed during case management on Wednesday.

A stop order was issued against 51-year-old Martin Walker at all ports of entry when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish court to answer to charges of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, trafficking cocaine and conspiracy.

He was granted $2.5 million bail and has been ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to the police three times per week.

When the matter involving Walker, who is attached to Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC), was initially called, the clerk of court revealed that the case file had only just been handed to her by the lawman responsible.

Upon hearing this, sitting Judge Sanchia Burrell expressed frustration with what she said was a recurring issue.

“I notice every time a police officer is charged and brought before this court that the file is handed in late. I want to understand that process…every time without fail,” she said.

Burrell continued, “Every single time, 100 per cent of the time when a police officer is charged, on day one, the file is handed to the clerk. It is beginning to seem deliberate, and it is police officers who are doing it, and we are all equal before the law.”

When the allegations against Walker were eventually read out in court, it was revealed that, acting on intelligence, lawmen from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division had carried out an operation at a bar on Moore Street, Kingston 4.

Based on the information received, a search of all vehicles in the vicinity was initiated; however, the accused refused access to his vehicle, a blue Toyota Tacoma.

When asked why, he reportedly said, “The car cyah search.” When asked why, it is reported that the cop told FNID lawmen that cocaine was in the vehicle, and further said, “too much people ago expose”.

The vehicle was seized and transported to FNID headquarters, where a search revealed five parcels wrapped in masking tape containing a white powdery substance. The parcels weighed 11 pounds and 0.42 ounces combined, and the police officer present in court cited the value at over $5 million.

Walker’s attorney, Christopher Townsend, told the court that his client maintains his innocence, denying that he told the lawmen there was cocaine in the vehicle.

He cited his client’s 31 years of service and a recent promotion to inspector, highlighting what he described as a flawless record. Townsend maintained that his client has a very viable defence.

Walker is to return to court on March 23, 2026.

Burrell also took the time to make a court order mandating that the police complete the file, including outstanding material, by March 6.