Duo charged with possession of 10 kilos of cocaine

Junior “Southie” Gomez, a Trinidadian farmer and Gabrielle “Goofy” Hutchins, a chef from Bequia, are expected to appear at the next sitting of the High Court to answer to four drug-related charges.{{more}}

This comes following the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry last Tuesday, into a matter in which both men are charged in relation to 10 kilos of cocaine, valued at EC$560,700 that was found in 12 five-gallon buckets last year.

They are charged that on November 8, 2015, they had in their possession 10,892 grams of cocaine, with intent to supply.

Both Gomez and Hutchins are further charged that on that same date, they had in their possession a controlled drug for the purpose of drug trafficking; importing a controlled drug for the purpose of drug trafficking; and conspiring with each other between November 1 and 7 to commit the offence of drug trafficking at Port Elizabeth, Bequia, on Friday, November 6, 2015.

More than five persons testified during the Preliminary Inquiry which began earlier this year.

Based on their evidence, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias ruled that the Crown had produced sufficient evidence for the men to answer their case at the High Court.

Bail, which was granted to Hutchins in the sum of $100,000 with one surety, will continue. He is being represented by attorney Grant Connell and was ordered to surrender his travel documents and is to report to the Mustique Police Station every Monday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Gomez, however, would remain in police custody until his next court appearance.(AS)