Men on cocaine charge get new trial date

WESTERN BUREAU:

Four St James men who were arrested last June for allegedly transporting cocaine got a new trial date when they appeared in court on Monday due to the appointment of a new investigating officer in their case.

Robert Davis, a bus driver of a Providence Heights address; Howard Scott, also a bus driver, of Irwin; Omar Scott; and vendor, Norman Griffiths, both of John's Hall, are charged with possession of and trafficking five pounds of cocaine. They had their bail extended to July 21.

It is alleged that on June 7, 2013, a police team, acting on information, followed two motor cars along the Providence main road heading towards Ironshore.

The cars were eventually intercepted and searched and a plastic bag containing cocaine was found on the back passenger seat in one of the vehicles. The four men, who were in the cars, were subsequently arrested.

When the case was mentioned on Monday, Clerk of the Court Reginald England told presiding magistrate Wilson Smith that the investigating officer in the matter had resigned.

"My instructions are that the investigating officer has resigned, so the matter will have to be reassigned. The new investigating officer is a witness in this matter, so he can be assigned," said England. "Also, the exhibit is not here at this time," the clerk added.

"It looks like we will need a day that is not so crowded, so I suggest we find a clear day for trial," said Smith.

The case has been set for trial on July 21.

- C. T.