Two men, who have been charged for possession of illicit drugs with an estimated value of more $1 million, are expected to appear before in the St John’s Magistrates’ Court today to answer to a number of related charges.
A release from the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) said that Marcus Richards, a 70-year-old Vincentian national residing in Antigua and 37-year-old Erskine Todd of St Vincent were arrested last Thursday during a sting operation.
During the arrest, which took place at the Shell Beach area, the law enforcement agency seized 533 pounds of compressed cannabis, which had an estimated wholesale value of $1,066,000 and 5.6 kilos of cocaine, which was valued at $197,288. The total estimated value of the contraband was $1,263,288.
Both Richards and Todd were charged with possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and drug trafficking. They were slapped with additional charges of possession of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine and drug trafficking, the release said.
The ONDCP said investigations into the drug bust are ongoing.
The men could face up over 10 years in prison if they are indicted on all the charges levelled against them or pay more than $500,000 to the court for possessing cocaine, which is a Class A drug and cannabis, which is a Class B drug, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
SOURCE: Antigua Observer
