A 39-year-old carpenter is to spend the next couple of weeks in lock-up after it is alleged that he was found with over five pounds (2.4 kilograms) of cocaine in his luggage recently.

Marlon Jacquette from Belmont district, Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew, has been charged with possession of, importing, and conspiracy to import cocaine from Guyana.

He is to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on January 31 when the matter will be mentioned as the forensic report is outstanding.

security checks

Allegations are that on December 23, around 4:30 a.m., the accused arrived on a flight at the Norman Manley International Airport.

It is alleged that during routine security checks, a suitcase owned by the accused was found with a sewing machine containing cocaine.

Jacquette's attorney, Everton Bird was attempting to secure bail for his client, however, senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey turned down the application.

RM Pusey said that the weight of the cocaine is not a light matter.