Western Bureau

After six months, the case against two men charged with allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine in a liquid form out of the country, is yet to be set for trial before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

Jamaican-born British national, Vivian Dennis, 75, a retired construction worker, and Michael Dawkins, farmer of St Elizabeth, have been charged with possession of, dealing in and attempting to export cocaine. Dawkins is also charged with conspiracy. On Tuesday, the court was informed that the attorneys had not been served with the forensic evidence and the statement of the officer who took the substance to the laboratory was still outstanding.

A date was, therefore, set for April 22, when the attorneys would be served and the relevant statement added to the file.

Identified luggage

Allegations are that on October 11, Dennis boarded a flight to London but was summoned to the narcotics office. There, he identified luggage that had been taken to the office during routine luggage checks. He identified the luggage as his and used keys in his possession to open it. Four bottles labelled Magnum and three bottles labelled Red Label wine were taken from a black bag. They all contained cocaine in a liquid form. Dennis told the police that it was Dawkins who had given it to him.

Dawkins was subsequently called to the airport and was arrested and charged.