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Heart patient implicated in alleged firearm shipment
November 03, 2023
A 36-year-old diabetic and heart patient is facing allegations of importing firearms into the country, by using the facilities of the shipping company to which he was employed.
The shocking allegations were shared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Thursday, where the accused, Miguel Reid, was arraigned on charges of being in possession of identity information. It is alleged that on September 4, Reid used the identity information of several persons to create email addresses, which were then used to make fake accounts at the shipping company. The shipping addresses which were generated were then shared with a man overseas, who sent firearms to Reid. The items were allegedly shipped to Jamaica.
Reid, who is represented by attorney-at-law Orville Morgan, did not enter a plea. Morgan attempted to have a bail application heard before Parish Judge Carlo Mason, submitting that his client was not a flight risk and had health issues, including diabetes and a heart condition.
"He needs to have consistent medical care as he risks falling into a diabetic coma," Morgan shared with the court.
"This is just mere allegations," the lawyer added.
The prosecutor, in her response to Morgan's submissions, told the judge, "The Crown was not in a position to not oppose to bail," and would first seek an adjournment to source other facilities that could provide treatment for Reid.
"The investigator is also saying that charges are to be laid against Mr Reid for conspiracy to traffic firearms as well as getting to other persons involved," the prosecutor said.
Mason, in noting the submissions, instructed that the matter be adjourned for a short mention date, and said that Reid is to be assisted with his meals and medication. Reid was made the subject of a fingerprint order and was remanded in custody until December 18. At that time, the court is to have an update on whether the facility he will be transferred to can adequately provide the care he needs. A bail application is to be heard as well.
