New court date for duo on cocaine rap

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:Two St James men who were arrested earlier this month after cocaine was allegedly found on their premises will return to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on April 3.

Thirty-eight-year-old Hugh Roach of a Westgate Hills address in Montego Bay and 52-year-old Kirk Levey of a Porto Bello address are facing charges of possession of and dealing in two pounds and 3.24 ounces of cocaine. They had their combined $1.7 million bail extended when they appeared in court on Monday March 18.

The allegations are that on March 6 at approximately 5:20 p.m., a police team was on an operation in the Westgate Hills area where they saw Roach and Levey on the front patio of Roach's house.

It is alleged that on seeing the police approaching them, Roach attempted to hide a plastic bag under his chair; however, the police retrieved the bag. When the bag was opened, a rectangular package wrapped in masking tape was reportedly found.

The package was subsequently cut open and a white powdery substance resembling cocaine was reportedly found inside. Following the alleged discovery, both men were arrested and charged.

On Monday, attorney-at-law Martyn Thomas, who is representing Levey, told the court that a team of police officers was to conduct a search of a car that had been confiscated from the premises.

"I got a call from the investigating officer this morning. A team was to conduct a search of the vehicle at the Freeport Police Station, but they require the presence of the men," Thomas told Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small. "What we're asking is if the matter could be set for another mention date."

"The third of April is available," Wong-Small replied after consulting her court diary.

"Yes, Your Honour, that is convenient," Thomas agreed.

"Gentlemen, your matter will be mentioned again on April 3. Your bails are extended," the magistrate advised the two defendants