Dutch carpenter remanded on cocaine charge in airport case
Published:Tuesday | May 28, 2024 | 12:09 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Dutch national Patrick Crawford, who has been charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle $28.3 million worth of cocaine on a flight on May 9, is to next appearance before the court on June 10.
Crawford, a 44-year-old carpenter of a Rotterdam address in Holland, is charged with possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export 13.5 pounds of cocaine. He was remanded following his first appearance in the St James Parish Court on May 20.
It is understood that Crawford’s attorney, Henry McCurdy, did not attempt to seek bail for his client as the defendant is not Jamaican and has no ties to the island.
Presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton ordered Crawford to be remanded until June 10.
According to police reports, on May 9 about 5 p.m., Crawford attempted to board a flight to a European country at the Sangster International Airport.
While checking in, he was approached by Narcotics personnel, who searched his luggage and reportedly found the drug in false compartments. Crawford was arrested for breaching the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Crawford’s case is one of several cocaine-related matters to come before the St James Parish Court in recent times. Another case is that of Thomas Edwards, a Manchester resident who was arrested after allegedly attempting to transport $18.7 million worth of cocaine, also through Sangster, on May 22. Edwards is expected to come before the court on May 29.
Dwight Daley, head of the Narcotics Police, recently asserted that the authorities have been keeping a close watch on Jamaica’s ports, which are being used by international drug traffickers.
“We have implemented some new strategies at the international airports and, obviously, it is reaping the desired results. We will continue to monitor our strategies to ensure that our ports are not exploited by drug traffickers,” he said earlier this month.