Five men ranging in age from 27 to 62 years have appeared in court to answer to drug possession charges. The men, Frederick Merchant of Potters, Wincheser Meade of All Saints , Glenroy Pilgrim of Willikies, Lemuel Samuel and Curt Lewis both of St. Vincent appeared in the All Saints Magistrates’ Court before Senior Magistrate Asquith Riviere yesterday.

The men pleaded not guilty to four charges, but up to the time of going to press, we were unable to confirm the results of a bail hearing. Members of the Narcotics Squad and officers from the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) conducted a joint operation in the Old Road, English Harbour and All Saints areas on 1 March. As a result of the sting operation that took place at around 6:30 a.m., the law enforcement agencies were able to seize several crocus bags containing cannabis, weighing 859 ¼ pounds.

The police also took in their possession two motor vehicles- one Suzuki Samurai jeep and a Ford Ranger pickup. The five men were subsequently detained and taken into police custody. Reports are that the drugs have an estimated street value of nearly $2 million.