Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Canadian chef who reportedly tried to smuggle three and three-quarter pounds of cocaine in his waistband was remanded by the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

Richard Ffrench, 39, from Ontario, came before the court charged with possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine.

Allegations are that on January 15, about 6:45 p.m., the investigating officer was on duty at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, when he observed Ffrench behaving suspiciously at the airport's body-scanning machine.

A search was conducted of Ffrench's person and a bulge was seen in his waistband. The defendant reportedly said that it was a support band due to a motorcycle injury, but a subsequent search revealed a black vest that, when cut open, was found to contain four rectangular packages with a white substance resembling cocaine.

Under caution, Ffrench allegedly said, "Some men told me to take it up to Canada". He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Clerk of courts Natalie Malcolm expressed reservations about Ffrench being offered bail due to him being a Canadian. "If your honour is minded to grant him bail, I would ask for conditions to be attached to ensure his attendance at court," Malcolm told Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small.

In making a bail application, Ffrench's lawyer, Carl Singh, assured the court that his client would abide by all conditions that should be placed on him.

"This matter will be mentioned on February 1. He (Ffrench) is remanded, for counsel to take instructions," said RM Wong-Small.