ST JAMES, JAMAICA— A detective sergeant of police remains the sole witness to give evidence in the ongoing trial of three Sangster International Airport employees accused of smuggling more than 11 kilograms of cocaine onto a flight destined for Canada.

After his absence led to the trial being postponed on February 21, Detective Sergeant James Dawes of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Narcotics Division took the stand on Tuesday. He is expected to continue giving testimony when the matter is again before the court on April 11. Indra Waite, Brelanie Reid, and Romaine Kerr, whose trial began in the St James Parish Court on November 16 last year, had their bails extended until then.

It is alleged that on October 10, 2021, the defendants were servicing a Sunwing Airlines flight due to depart from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, when they conspired and placed a bag with 11.4 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $88.1 million, on board the aircraft.

READ: Sangster Int’l Airport contractors on drug charges to appear in court November 10

The cocaine was intercepted at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada and one person was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Following high-level investigations, the three St James residents were also arrested and charged.

Waite, a 43-year-old security supervisor, is charged with possession of criminal property as well as aiding and abetting.

Reid, a 23-year-old aviation security officer, is charged with breaching the Civil Aviation Act. Meanwhile Kerr, a 35-year-old ramp attendant, is charged with possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine.

A fourth accused was freed after the prosecution elected to drop the conspiracy charge against all of the defendants.