Fabian Ledgister, Star Writer

A 76-year-old woman was charged with dealing in crack cocaine on Monday by the Hunts Bay police. Charged with possession and dealing in crack cocaine and possession of ganja, is Edith May, otherwise called Edith Leonard, a housewife of Queensbury drive, St Andrew.

Reports are about 2 p.m., a joint police-military operation was conducted at the same premises. During the operation, 76 pieces of crack cocaine (ironically the same number as the elderly woman's age), as well as a half pound of marijuana were found.

When informed of the matter, head of the division, Superintendent Derrick 'Cowboy' Knight, said he had to speak to the woman himself.

"I have heard of old persons carrying drugs abroad, but a 76-year-old selling it surprised me, which is not easy. When I spoke to the lady, who is five years younger than my grandma, I asked her 'why you involved in this?' Without a hint of remorse, she said 'worse than me deh out there'," recalled the top cop for the St Andrew South Division.

The superintendent said he could not ask the woman another question and left the CIB office, amid an uproar of laughter caused by the woman's cheeky reply. She was formally charged afterwards and released on bail later that day.

But Knight said he was not satisfied with the case, and would be keeping an eye on the woman and her associates.

"We are of the view that this lady is being used by other persons, but that is not an excuse for her, as she should have known better," said Superintendent Knight.

The 76-year-old is scheduled for court on Thursday.