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by pltm
(PLTM) - A 43-year-old BVIslander, Stacey Smith, was today, October 21 granted $80,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Kadeem Palmer for being in possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another.
Smith’s bail offer also came with a $15,000 cash component.
He is employed as a security officer with the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Allegations
According to the Prosecution, the incident occurred on October 19 when officers from the Special Investigations Unit and the Armed Response Unit executed a search warrant on his home. The location was not disclosed.
At the onset of the search, the accused man told the officers that he was in possession of illegal contraband, and the contraband believed to be cocaine was later found outside of the home, inside some bags.
He was cautioned about the find, and when he was shown the substance, he said, “I think it's cocaine.”
He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug to supply to another.
The accused man and the suspected contraband were transported to the Road Town Police Station, where the suspected cocaine was weighed. It amounted to 188 kilograms with a street value of nearly $19 million.
He was also interviewed at the Police Station and later charged with the offence before the court.
Among his bail conditions, he is to report three days a week to the Road Town Police Station and surrender his travel documents.
He was represented by Attorney Valerie Gordon, and Crown Counsel Kristian Johnson represented the Commissioner of Police.
The matter was adjourned to November 30 for plea and report.
