KINGSTON, Jamaica – A senior magistrate today refused to grant Dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel bail on drug related charges and ordered that the singer re-appear in court on November 10 when the case comes up for mention.
Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, was slapped with the drug charges after the police alleged that they found marijuana in a room he occupied at a hotel in the business district of New Kingston.
The self acclaimed dancehall teacher has been in police custody since September 30, when he, along with three of his associates, were questioned by the police.
Prosecutors today strongly opposed an application by his attorneys for the popular DJ to be released on bond.
Last week Alicia Jackson, the woman who was in the room with him, pleaded guilty and was fined J$500 (US$6). She told the court that the marijuana belonged to her.
The singer is, however, set to return to court tomorrow to answer charges of murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
The police say Andre St. John and Sean Williams, who were also held with Kartel, are being investigated for their possible role in shootings in the central parish of St Catherine. (CMC)
