The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SIXTH man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the $2.3 million marijuana seizure on a highway in Grand Bahama ten days ago.

Spencer Parker, 43, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing a single charge of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with the intent to supply in connection with the October 9 raid.

It is claimed that Parker conspired with Jackson Culmer, 38; Cruiz Culmer, 23; Deaniel Forbes, 30; Garfield Forbes, 39; and Kemuel Moss, 29, to possess marijuana with the intent to supply.

The accused denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Around 1am on the morning in question, officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit reported that they were en route to an assignment when, while on Warren Lavarity Highway, they observed a van that appeared to be laden with occupants acting in a suspicious manner.

A chase ensued, resulting in the van being stopped on Fishing Hole Road in the vicinity of Fishermen’s Stands.

A search was conducted and resulted in the discovery of 21 duffle bags, each containing multiple packages of suspected marijuana.

Parker’s co-defendants were arraigned a week ago on conspiracy and possession charges. They all pleaded not guilty before being remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison to await trial on April 9, 2014.

However, on Wednesday, Garfield Forbes and Jackson Culmer were both granted $60,000 bail when they appeared before Justice Hartman Longley in the Supreme Court in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The Tribune understands that the other men were scheduled to appear yesterday for bail hearings however, the result could not be confirmed before press time last night.

Parker was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison, Fox Hill, until the completion of his trial.

Heather Hunt, sitting in for attorney Kwasi Thompson, appeared for Parker in yesterday’s Nassau Street arraignment.