ST JAMES, Jamaica— The fate of three former Sangster International Airport employees who are accused of smuggling drugs hinges on a thorough review by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which is set to be revealed on Thursday, May 11.

The trial may either be terminated or resumed depending on this assessment.

Indra Waite, Brelanie Reid and Romaine Kerr are facing several charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

They are represented by attorneys-at-law Martyn Thomas, Charles Sinclair and Henry McCurdy respectively.

Following their trial’s continuation in the St James Parish Court on Monday, presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley was informed that the DPP is currently reviewing whether the cases will continue to be heard in its current format before the parish court.

“At this juncture, there is going to be an adjournment, as some assessments are to be made of this matter. Your bails are extended,” Ashley told the defendants.

The disclosure was made shortly after the court was presented with evidence from a justice of the peace, who affirmed their presence when Waite’s caution statement was recorded by the police on October 29, 2021.

In the interim, upon being apprised of the DPP’s current examination of the case, Waite’s lawyer, Henry McCurdy, indicated to the court that a new date for the trial’s continuation could be set on May 11, depending on the DPP’s ruling on that date.

“On Thursday we could come back and hear what is happening, and then we could get a part-heard date to continue the matter,” said McCurdy.

According to the allegations, on October 10, 2021, the defendants conspired and placed a bag containing 11.4 kilograms of cocaine worth $88.1 million on board a Sunwing Airlines flight that they were servicing and that was due to depart from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.

The cocaine was intercepted at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada and one person was arrested in relation to the seizure. Following top-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 and aiding and abetting.

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

On Monday, bail was extended until their next court appearance.

A fourth defendant was freed after the prosecution dropped the conspiracy charge against all of the accused individuals.