By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN AMERICAN man was remanded to prison on Christmas Eve after he was charged in connection with the seizure this week of more than 1,400 pounds of cocaine in Bimini.
Jose Ramon Diaz, of Miami, Florida, stood before Magistrate Andrew Forbes on Thursday charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, importation of dangerous drugs, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs and conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply concerning the seizure on Wednesday.
According to reports, shortly before 3pm, a team of officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) with the assistance of their counterparts from the US Drug Enforcement Agency conducted a search of a yacht moored in Bimini occupied by an American man.
It was there that they uncovered 1,449 pounds of cocaine.
The 41-year-old pleaded not guilty to the four offences and was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services without bail.
He returns to Magistrate’s Court on March 16, 2016 to stand trial.
He has retained attorney Jerone Roberts to defend him against the charges that could see him facing a fine and/or seven years imprisonment if convicted.
Comments
paul_vincent_zecchino 8 years, 4 months ago
Excellent work, DEU and DEA. Thank you for taking more poison off the streets.
Nice haul! Fourteen hundred forty nine pounds represents a lotta dough. Some kingpin's got himself a bad case of agita tonight; good!
On another note, it's really starting to sound like the bad old daze of the 70s again, isn't it? Is Carlos Lehder back in town?
sansoucireader 8 years, 4 months ago
Yes, search yachts and search those tourists that they (Immigration/Customs) just wave through the airport while Bahamians/residents are searched completely.
BMW 8 years, 4 months ago
Carlos got back in last election.
The_Oracle 8 years, 4 months ago
Which is exactly how most of the hand Guns come in. Sure, They must be declared upon entry by visiting yachts, but who checks that they left? Between that omission and the opportunists both American and Bahamian illegal guns Vs. licensed is probably 10:1 Bahamian vessels must check out when leaving, both Bahamian and foreign must check in when arriving, anyone else see the issue here?
Stapedius 8 years, 4 months ago
Now the judicial system must be thorough and complete in the matter. No short cuts or bull skating.
Chucky 8 years, 4 months ago
Anyone who thinks any progress is made by this bust is a fool. See the headline and some of another news story below.
Until we get rid of criminal leadership, our lousy court and justice system, educate our people, instill real morals and change our lousy ways this country and all our people don't stand a chance.
$10,000 Secures Release For Two Men Over Drugs Possession
By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
TWO MEN who recently pleaded guilty to possession of 100 pounds of marijuana have been released from custody after each paid $10,000 to the Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Denver Taylor, 36, and Kenyon Dean, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply during their arraignment before Magistrate Andrew Forbes on Monday.
Shortly after 9am on December 18, DEU officers went to Taylor's house on Coopers Terrace where they found the suspected drugs.
Both Taylor and Dean were taken into custody.
Taylor was fined $40,000 with the alternative punishment of two years imprisonment while Dean was fined $30,000 or 18 months imprisonment.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
You're right, until the heart of corruption is destroyed, we will forever have breaking news on "the biggest bust ever" stories
nassausands 8 years, 4 months ago
Now it tome to give all AMERICANS caught trafficking Drugs in the Bahamas millions dollars fines and lengthy prison terms. Go after the co-conspirators in the USA also....the DEA know who they are.
bismark 8 years, 4 months ago
we all know that law enforcement in the Bahamas loves to stereotype,yachts,sportsfishers any big time vessel,these are never searched upon entering or leaving this country,this is how the guns,drugs and human trafficking flourish,there are many marinas our R.B.D.F cannot venture into,its our own lawmakers who let the privileged few do as they want,yet crush the others with jail time when caught,welcome to the Bahamas a nation already bought and paid for.
MonkeeDoo 8 years, 4 months ago
If the US of A dont see the connection between Bimini, Cat Cay, & Ocean Cay they better wake up and smell the coffee. Normans Cay was 200 miles east of Bimini at least. Jimmy Mosko & Steffan Christie are owners of Ocean Cay lease.
TruePeople 8 years, 3 months ago
all the coco dats running through these waters, this bust is a drop in the ocean
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