Alleged drug dealer faces extradition

An extradition hearing is to be held early next year for an alleged drug dealer turned taxi operator, who is wanted in the United States in connection with the 2002 murder of a rival drug dealer.

However, the fugitive, Kenroy Hardie, has been in custody for more than a year in Jamaica, following several adjournments. Hardie is without legal representation and cannot benefit from an assignment through the Legal Aid Clinic, as it is not one of the offences that qualifies for the services.

"A dem lock me up, enuh, so a dem fi give me lawyer. A dem want me so a dem fi come fi me. Me not even know weh dem a talk bout, enuh. Your Honour," an incensed Hardie said on Monday.

An investigation by the New York City Police Department alleged that Hardie was part of a drug crew that planned and executed the shooting death of Altari Felton on March 27, 2002, in New York. Hardie, otherwise called 'Sharkie', was apprehended in June 2023, during an early morning snap raid carried out by a team from the St Catherine South Division and Jamaican Fugitive Apprehension Team at his home in Portmore, St Catherine.

"I agree with you. It is so out of order, so rude," Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell jeered at the fugitive.

But Hardie, unaware of the judge's sarcasm, continued his tirade, saying that he has no money to retain legal representation, as he spent $760,000 in legal fees for a matter that was recently concluded at the Gun Court Division of the Home Circuit Court.

"Me a run a sentence now down at GP [referring to the General Penitentiary, now known as the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility]. Is a seven-year sentence for gun charge and me spend up money pon that lawyer and now dem a say me affi get a lawyer for this. I don't have no money for this and this happen about 24 years ago," he stressed.

"It don't make sense to me, Your Honour. If me fi go over there [the US], me affi get a lawyer again and me nuh have that," Hardie said, noting that he wanted an extradition hearing in the local courts.

The matter was adjourned until January 9 and 10, 2025 for an extradition hearing. He was remanded in custody until then.