Two Bahamians were in US police custody yesterday after more than half a million dollars worth of cocaine was discovered on a aeroplane piloted from The Bahamas into South Florida over the weekend.
Although reports were still sketchy up to press time yesterday, police said that the two men were apprehended by U.S. authorities after their Bahamian-registered aircraft touched down in Fort Lauderdale.
“We still have very limited information on the incident but we do know the aircraft landed in Fort Lauderdale,” said Inspector Walter Evans, press liaison officer for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. “On the U.S. market the estimated street value of the cocaine is over half a million dollars.”
Inspector Evans added that only two people were aboard the Bahamian-registered aircraft.
“It is believed that from all accounts there were two persons aboard the aircraft, a pilot and co-pilot,” he explained. “We believe they were Bahamians.”
Last week, an OPBAT operation uncovered $1 million in marijuana hidden in caves in Andros.
In other news from the courts:
* A 41-year-old man was charged in magistrate’s court with having unlawful sex with a 12-year-old girl.
Rodrick Pryce, a resident of Jubilee Gardens, appeared before Magistrate Marilyn Meeres yesterday.
He was not required to enter a plea. A preliminary inquiry has been set for January 16, 2007 to determine if there is sufficient evidence for Pryce to stand trial in the Supreme Court.
Pryce was granted $10,000 bail with two sureties.
Magistrate Meeres also ordered that the 41-year-old surrender his travel documents to the court. He is also expected to report to the Carmichael Road Police Station every Friday.
* Felix Morley, 48, of Dowdeswell Street, was charged with assault and intent to rape.
It is alleged that Morley, on Tuesday, June 20, assaulted a woman and intended to have sexual intercourse with her against her will.
Morley was not required to enter a plea.
He asked Magistrate Meeres to reduce the amount of his $10,000 bail, with two sureties, but the request was denied.
The matter was adjourned to October 3.
* Bianca Symonette, a 34-year-old resident of Anthol Street, Ridgeland Park was charged with stealing by reason of service.
Symonette pleaded not guilty and was granted $5,000 bail with two sureties.
It is alleged that Symonette received $4,000 to purchase a 2000 Ford Explorer from the United states for a female customer but the vehicle was never delivered.
The matter was adjourned to January16 , 2007.
* Livingston Oliver Jr, an 18-year-old resident of Carmichael Road, was charged with stealing a blue 2000 Cherokee Jeep, valued at $15,000.
Oliver pleaded not guilty and was granted $5,000 bail with two sureties.
He is expected to return to court on January 16, 2007.
By: JASMIN BONIMY & LASHONNE OUTTEN, The Nassau Guardian
