Two senior municipal officials from Trelawny have been charged following an alleged attempt to smuggle cocaine through the Sangster International Airport in St James.
The accused are 40-year-old Trevon Clayton, Chief Financial Officer at the St Ann Municipal Corporation, and 42-year-old Latoya Hemmings, a Senior Managing Accountant at the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. Both individuals are residents of Trelawny.
Hemmings has been charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, conspiracy, and possession of criminal property. Clayton, meanwhile, faces charges of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, and conspiracy. The charges were laid on Monday.
Police have indicated that additional charges are being considered against Clayton, who remains under medical observation.
According to law enforcement sources, the incident occurred on Friday, January 16, around midday, when Clayton and Hemmings arrived at the airport and checked in for a flight bound for New York. During routine security screening, both individuals were stopped and searched.
Investigators reported that packages of cocaine were discovered in the luggage of both passengers. In addition, a quantity of US currency was reportedly found inside Hemmings’ handbag. Both were immediately taken into custody.
Police further disclosed that Clayton later admitted to ingesting cocaine pellets. He was subsequently transported to hospital, where he remains under police guard after expelling 82 cocaine pellets.
Hemmings is scheduled to appear before the St James Parish Court on Friday, January 23. Clayton’s court date is yet to be finalised.

