Tashieka Mair, Star Writer
WESTERN BUREAU

A Westmoreland resident who was caught trying to smuggle 13 ounces of cocaine out of the country, is scheduled to stand trial in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on June 11.

Christopher Young, 28, of Good Hope, is maintaining his defence that he did not know that he had cocaine in his possession.

Young pleaded not guilty to possession of, dealing in and attempting to export cocaine last December. The matter has been outstanding as the court was awaiting a forensic report, which was received recently.

Allegations are that on December 16, 2007, canine police were carrying out checks on bags in the Air Canada luggage chute when the sniffer dog alerted them to a suitcase with the accused man's name.

He was taken from the Air Canada flight and he later identified the suitcase as his.

When it was searched, two packages of cocaine were allegedly recovered from the bottom corner of the suitcase. Under caution, it is said that he told the police that he was asked to deliver the suitcase to someone in Canada.

Young claims that a relative had given him the packages to give to a woman in Canada, but said he had no knowledge that it contained contraband. Young, who is without legal representation, had his bail extended until the trial date.