Vybz Kartel pleads not guilty in ganja case

‘VYBZ Kartel’ yesterday pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court along with a co-accused who pleaded guilty to the charge.

The co-accused, Alicia Jackson, was fined $500 or 30 days for the ganja which amounted to 4.3 ounces. She shortly after paid the fine and was released.

In light of Jackson’s guilty plea, Michael Deans — one of Kartel’s attorneys who appeared with Chris Tavares-Finson — requested that the court drop the drug possession charge against the artiste, whose real name is Adidja Palmer.

Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey directed that that matter be discussed between the defence and the prosecution and ordered Kartel to return to court on October 11. A bail application is expected to be made on the entertainer’s behalf on the return date.

Dressed in a grey suit with matching tie, the usual wide smile which adorned the face of the deejay was missing as he was being pleaded and he maintained a stoic demeanour.

“Mr Palmer.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the lanky Palmer responded in a deep voice before he was asked by the clerk of court to enter his plea.

“Not guilty,” he said.

Both Kartel and Jackson were detained last Friday at a hotel room in New Kingston and the weed found.

JamaicaObserver