The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribubemedia.net

A 21-year-old man who tried to smuggle over two pounds worth of cocaine into the United States must pay $20,000 to avoid spending two years behind bars.

Another man who denied the allegations was granted $7,000 bail ahead of his October 25 trial.

Raymond Evans, 22, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with four drug related offences.

Police said Evans conspired to possess cocaine with the intent to supply sometime between May 17 and 23. They also said he conspired to export the drugs from the country on May 23.

The prosecution said the accused also took the preparatory steps to export the drugs outside of the country that same day.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with the intent to supply, possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply, conspiracy to export dangerous drugs and taking preparatory steps to export dangerous drugs.

The prosecution said around 4.45pm that day, two officers, acting on information at Lynden Pindling International Airport, went to the US Customs Hall. When they arrived, they spoke to a US border patrol officer who gave them certain information and pointed out Evans. Officers then informed the accused that he would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. Their investigation revealed a black brick taped package strapped to Evans’ back. When they examined it, they found over two pounds of cocaine. Evans was then arrested and cautioned. During his interview with police, he said he got a phone call from a guy he knew who gave him certain directives. He said when he followed them, he was led to a trash bin with the taped brick inside. Evans said he then took the package out and strapped it to his back before attempting to board a flight.

During the hearing, Evans was represented by attorney Kendal Wright. He said his client was a disc-jockey who pleaded guilty at his earliest opportunity because he did not want to waste the court’s time. He also insisted Evans “felt a great deal of contrition” for his actions.

After listening to his plea in mitigation, Magistrate Forbes accepted Evans’ guilty plea. He also told the accused that he was fortunate he had been caught by US officials in The Bahamas because he could have possibly been “looking at a life in prison” had he been caught with the drugs in the States. He subsequently fined him $20,000. If Evans fails to pay the fine, he could risk spending two years in jail.

In a separate matter, Gerran Nottage was granted bail before his trial after he denied conspiring to possess and import a quantity of Indian hemp into the country sometime between December 2020 and January 2021.

Police alleged he also possessed and imported the drugs into the country within that same timeframe.

After denying the allegations, Nottage was granted $5,000 bail.

The accused, who is represented by attorney Bjorn Ferguson, returns to court on September 28 for trial.