Cops find cocaine in designer shoes

A painter of a St Andrew address was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court to answer to drug-related offences.

Marvin Locke pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. He is also charged with dealing in cocaine and possession of criminal property, to which he pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that the apartment of the accused was searched and cocaine weighing 134 grams was found inside a pair of brown Timberland shoes in his bedroom. During the search of a chest of drawers, a black plastic bag was found containing J$3.4 million and another US $360 (J$56,000). A dresser was also searched and the police reportedly found J$269,000 and US$70 (approximately J$10,8855).

Locke was taken into custody where he was questioned about the money. He told investigators that the money belonged to his girlfriend. The court heard that his girlfriend was later questioned by police but was unable to tell them how much money was in their home. However, she indicated that only J$1.3 million was obtained through the sale of a Honda motor vehicle. When asked about the remaining money, Locke's girlfriend refused to answer questions without her attorney.

John Jacobs, Locke's attorney, told the court that while his client accepts responsibility for having drugs in his possession, he was not involved in dealing with it. He added that being in possession of large sums of cash could be justified.

"It is no source of criminal funds, Your Honour," Jacobs said. Locke was remanded until February 21 as the forensic certificate is still outstanding. He was made the subject of a fingerprint order.