Former Reggae Boy admits cocaine possession, may avoid conviction through rehab

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Former Reggae Boy Hector Wright has pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine but may not face criminal sanctions as the matter has been moved to the Drug Court.

Once a familiar name on Jamaica’s football fields and now working as a coach, Wright is facing charges arising from a drug seizure in January of this year at the Catherine Hall, Montego Bay residence he shared with his wife.

READ: Former Reggae Boy Hector Wright and wife charged in cocaine seizure

He and his wife, Jodi-Ann Coke-Wright, were initially jointly charged with possession of, and dealing in, cocaine.

However, when they appeared before the St James Parish Court to face drug charges on Wednesday, the focus shifted from a traditional trial towards a rehabilitation-focused programme.

Wright was represented by attorneys Tiffany King, Martyn Thomas and Henry McCurdy, while Coke-Wright was represented by Thomas and McCurdy. Wright pleaded guilty; Coke-Wright pleaded not guilty.

During Wednesday’s hearing, King approached the bench alongside the prosecution. Upon returning to her seat, she indicated that all parties had agreed the most appropriate course of action would be to refer Wright’s matter to the Drug Court Programme. He is scheduled to appear on May 28. Successful completion of the programme would result in the charge against Wright being dismissed, with no conviction recorded.

Meanwhile, as a result of discussions between prosecution and defence, it was also agreed that the case against Coke-Wright would not continue. The prosecution formally offered no evidence against her, leading to her discharge from the proceedings.

The case stems from a police operation conducted on January 29 shortly before midday, when members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, acting on intelligence, went to a property in Catherine Hall, St James.

According to reports, cops entered a two-storey house and observed two small containers on a table holding a substance resembling “crazy glue”. Wright allegedly identified the items as his and reportedly admitted they contained crack cocaine, further stating that the drugs would be cut into pieces for resale and that the items were intended for sale during periods of low demand.

Police say the containers were opened in the presence of the couple, revealing 20 small pieces in each container, along with another eight pieces in a separate container. A sum of cash was also allegedly found at the scene. While under caution, Coke-Wright reportedly told investigators, “I don’t sleep in the same room with him; I sleep in the room to the front of the house.”

Pleased with Wednesday’s outcome, attorney King expressed hope that the matter will be successfully resolved through the Drug Court process.