By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A CD containing US Coast Guard helicopter footage of 181lb of cocaine that was confiscated in Acklins in 2022 was entered into evidence yesterday during a trial against former Police Staff Association chairman Sonny Miller, 46.
The former assistant superintendent, who Bjorn Ferguson represents, faces eight drug-related charges. His trial has faced numerous adjournments.
Ronald Haynes, a supervisory special agent of the US Drug Enforcement Agency, testified yesterday that on June 9, 2022, he received two CDs from a US Coast Guard officer. Footage captured by a Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter reportedly showed the drug bust in Acklins from an aerial view.
While agent Haynes told Mr Ferguson that he did not participate directly in that operation, he said he gave the CDs to local law enforcement.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Roberto Goodman testified that he received the CDs on June 10, 2022.
Two Colombian men –– Christhian Garcia Aristizabal, 35, and Christhian Gaviria Aragon, 33 –– were also charged in relation to the matter.
While all three face six charges for possession of, as well as conspiracy to possess and import dangerous drugs with intent to supply, only the Colombians face importation charges.
ASP Miller faced two counts of abetment to importation of dangerous drugs.
Sometime between May 9 and June 7, the accused allegedly conspired to possess and import 181 lbs of cocaine and 31 lbs of Indian Hemp into The Bahamas.
On June 7, the accused were arrested for allegedly having these drugs in Spring Point, Acklins.
Terry Archer and Shaneka Carey served as prosecutors.
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