Three St Catherine residents who are facing criminal charges after being held with a quantity of illegal rum had their $20,000 bail extended when they appeared in court on Friday.

Mark Dawkins, 42, Donnette Simpson, 45 and 27 year-old Marcus Gooden all of Old Harbour Road, St Catherine, appeared before the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court to answer to the charges. They are charged with breaches of the Excise Duty Act, breaches of the Merchandising Act and endangering public safety.

incomplete file

When they appeared in court, it was revealed the file was incomplete.

Attorney-at-Law Donovan Williams told the court that his clients are not guilty. The court then extended the bails of the trio until June 5, when the matter will again be mentioned.

Allegations are that members of the Island Special Constabulary Force raided a house in Sydenham, St Catherine. During the operation, 34 cases of 750ml and four cases of 200ml bottles labeled as White Overproof Rum were seized.

- R.T.