Police inspector charged in $30-million cocaine seizure granted bail

The police inspector charged in connection with a multi-million dollar cocaine seizure in Woodford Park, St. Andrew, was granted $2.5 million bail on Wednesday during his first court appearance.

Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC) Inspector Martin Walker was offered bail in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court.

His attorney, Christopher Townsend, argued that Walker was not a flight risk and cited his 31 years of service with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), noting he had recently been promoted.

Prosecutors did not oppose bail.

Walker is expected to return to court on March 23. As conditions, he was ordered to surrender all travel documents, and a stop order was placed at all ports, alongside reporting requirements.

Before granting bail, Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell reprimanded the investigative team for tardiness in submitting the file to the court.

Walker, attached to the Fraud Squad unit of C-TOC, is charged with conspiracy to export cocaine, as well as possession, dealing, and transportation of cocaine.

He was arrested on January 8 on Moore Street in St Andrew during an operation by the Firearms, Narcotics, and Investigative Division of the police force.

Police reported that 12.5 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $30 million, were allegedly found in Walker’s private vehicle.

Two members of the Jamaica Defence Force were also arrested during the operation but later released without charge.

- Andre Williams

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