Negril man charged with allegedly smuggling US$18.4m cocaine denied bail

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC - Four men, including a Jamaican national, have been denied bail and will return to court on April 16, on charges of attempting to smuggle cocaine and marijuana into The Bahamas,

The prosecution alleges that Bahamian nationals, Howard Rolle, James Jones, Zenard Rolle, and Nicholas Duckenson of Negril, Jamaica, were planning to bring U$18.4 million of cocaine and marijuana valued at US$7,000 into the country when they were thwarted by the US Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard had intercepted the drug-laden Bahamian-registered go-fast boat off Cuba on December 7 and police allegedly seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine, seven pounds of marijuana, and a .40 Smith and Wesson pistol after they searched the vessel.

The men have denied charges of drug possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to import drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to possess drugs with intent to supply, and possession of an unlicensed firearm at their arraignment before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms.

They were denied bail and their trial is scheduled for April 16.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-250