Saint Lucians to be tried on three cocaine charges

Three nationals of Saint Lucia were remanded in custody for conspiracy to traffic; possession of controlled drugs; and drug trafficking of over 22 thousand grammes of cocaine in Bequia.

Thirty-two year old fisherman from Castries, Dolton “Degree” John; 50 year old steel bender of Vieux Fort, Moses “Laygay” Barbour; and a self-employed 49 year old of Castries, Ezra “Will” Henry, appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John, on Wednesday, September, 18, 2024 where they were remanded in custody on the three drug charges. The men were charged that between September 15 and 16, 2024 at Hamilton, Bequia they did agree with each other that a course of conduct shall be pursued which, if the agreement was carried out in accordance with the intent, shall necessarily amount to, or involved the commission of the offence of drug trafficking.

They also were charged that on September 16, 2024, they had in their possession 22,243 grammes of cocaine, a controlled drug, with intent to supply it to another; and for the purpose of drug trafficking. The men denied all the charges. Prosecutor, Renrick Cato, objected to their bail informing the court that the men are non-nationals, and if granted bail they may leave St Vincent to evade trial.

He therefore asked that the men be remanded in custody. Lawyer, Ronald Marks, who said he may make a bail application at a later date, said that Barbour has relational ties to St Vincent, as his father is from Barrouallie. The Senior Magistrate remanded the men in custody and adjourned the matter to October 17, 2024 for trial.