Bail extended for man accused of attempting to export cocaine

MONTEGO BAY, St James — A bid by Darin Austin to travel to London, England, landed him in trouble with the law after 36 pounds of cocaine were reportedly found in his suitcase at Sangster International Airport. Austin appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday before Senior Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton facing charges of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, and attempting to export cocaine. He is represented by attorney Martyn Thomas. The allegations stem from July 17 when Austin was preparing to board a flight to London. According to the allegations, anomalies detected in his suitcase prompted airport personnel to conduct a search. The search allegedly uncovered 14 irregularly shaped packages containing cocaine, with a combined weight of 36 pounds.

After hearing the allegations Fairclough-Hylton asked whether the packages had been concealed in a hidden compartment inside the suitcase. The investigating officer disclosed that the packages were not hidden in a compartment but had been placed between clothing in the suitcase. Thomas told the court that, based on his instructions, a DNA report would form a crucial part of the case. The matter was scheduled for mention on November 25 when further proceedings are expected. Austin’s bail was extended.