British woman accused of smuggling cocaine in patties to face verdict on December 13
Published:Saturday | December 7, 2024 | 3:55 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The highly anticipated verdict in the trial of British national Kay-Ann Anderson, who allegedly attempted to smuggle one kilogram of cocaine disguised as patties, has been postponed to December 13.
Anderson appeared in the St James Parish Court yesterday, where the new court date was set, and her bail extended.
The 47-year-old was intercepted on May 10, 2023, at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James. Authorities reportedly found the cocaine, valued at $7.72 million, concealed in a box of Tastee patties as she prepared to board a flight to Birmingham, England.
She was charged with possession, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Yesterday’s delay arose after Anderson’s attorney, King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie, was unable to attend court.
During her previous appearance on November 22, Anderson maintained her innocence in an unsworn statement, claiming she was unaware of the cocaine’s presence in her luggage. She alleged that her Jamaican spouse and former co-defendant, Lekan Olamida, was responsible for her predicament.
Olamida, represented by attorney Tom Tavares Finson, was released on July 26 following a no-case submission. Anderson was charged after reportedly identifying Olamida as the source of the contraband during a police interview.
Anderson is one of eight individuals, including seven other British nationals, arrested at Sangster International Airport in May 2023 on similar drug trafficking charges.
In June, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Chambers commended anti-narcotics agents for their diligence in intercepting cocaine traffickers. He also called for harsher penalties, arguing that current sentences fail to deter offenders effectively.