Men intercepted on highway allegedly with cocaine each granted $500,000 bail

Two men who were intercepted by the police on the North South Highway, and in whose car cocaine was allegedly found, were each granted $500,000 bail in the St Catherine Parish Court on Friday.

John Todd, 48, and 49-year-old Eric White, both of St Andrew addresses, are charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, and conspiracy to transport cocaine.

In applying for bail, attorney-at-law King's Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson argued that his clients are not flight risks and would attend court if released on bail.

He also noted that they had been in custody for over a month.

In granting bail, Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle ordered White and Todd to report weekly to the Constant Spring police and to surrender their travel documents.

The judge also imposed a stop order.

The men were ordered to return to court on September 30.

Allegations are that on July 10, the police received information that a vehicle travelling on the North-South Highway was suspected of conveying illegal drugs.

An operation was conducted, and the vehicle was intercepted and searched.

During the search of the trunk, a rectangular parcel was discovered, according to the police.

Checks revealed that the parcel contained a white powdery substance resembling cocaine.

The men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine.

Following further investigation, they were charged after a question-and-answer session.

- Rasbert Turner

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