Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

western bureau

A construction supervisor who was charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drug Act was granted bail and his case set for trial when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

The 48-year-old accused, Earl McKay, was charged with possession, dealing and trafficking 68.2 kgs of ganja.

However, the forensic report handed over to the court on Tuesday revealed that the exact weight of the contraband was 51.95 kgs.

He was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 with surety and is to report to the Mount Salem police on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He was also ordered to surrender his travel documents as a stop order was imposed at all ports of exit.

McKay is scheduled to return to court for trial on January 23.

It is alleged that about 4:30 p.m on October 14, the police were on the Springfield main road in St. James when they saw a car approaching. It is said that the car came to a stop and suddenly began to reverse at fast speed. The police gave chase and the vehicle crashed into an embankment.

The occupants proceeded to run and were again chased by the police. One man escaped while the accused was held and taken back to the vehicle. A search of the car revealed several bags of ganja in the trunk and back seat. Under caution he asked the police, "What can you do for me?"