Man offered $400,000 bail in 2007 cocaine case

A ST James man whose 2007 cocaine case was previously adjourned (with no future resumption date) had his case brought back before the St James Parish Court, where he was offered bail in the sum of $400,000.

Mickey Miller, who is of a Lilliput address, was previously arrested and charged in May 2007 in relation to three pounds and 1.19 ounces of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty to the charges of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine when he appeared before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Ashley last Friday.

The court was told that on May 18, 2007, Miller was taken into custody along with a female defendant, Ishell Mhlophe, when both were checking in at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, to leave the country.

According to the allegations, Mhlophe was preparing to board a flight to London, Englan, when her suitcase was searched and two plastic bottles were found inside it. The bottles were found to contain a substance that tested positive for cocaine.

Under questioning from the on-duty officer, Mhlophe reportedly pointed out Miller, who was also in the boarding line for the London flight, as the one who gave her the substance. Under caution, Miller allegedly addressed Mhlophe and said, “You chat too much. If you did keep your mouth, you and your pickney dem woulda all right.”

Subsequently, both were arrested and charged.

It is also understood that Mhlophe, who had been on bail, has had a warrant issued for her arrest since 2007, following her failure at that time to return to court. The matter against Miller was subsequently adjourned.

WITNESS FOUND

During Friday’s proceedings, it was disclosed that a missing witness in the case had been found, meaning that the matter against Miller could proceed. It was not stated whether Mhlophe was the witness in question.

“If you know you did it, now is the time to speak up,” Ashley advised Miller, who stood in the prisoner’s dock with a bewildered expression.

“Do you intend to get a lawyer, or will you be representing yourself?” the judge queried.

“I will get a lawyer… am I a victim here?” Miller asked.

“No, you’re an accused person. The judge will determine your guilt or innocence,” Ashley answered.

“Am I arrested now?” Miller asked next.

“Well, you’re going to be in the custody of the police until you get bail,” Ashley advised him.

The judge also rejected Miller’s request for his passport, which was previously seized at the time of his arrest, to be returned to him.

Miller was subsequently offered bail in the sum of $400,000 with up to two sureties and was ordered to report to the police three times a week. He was then remanded until March 26, when the matter will again be mentioned.