The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were arraigned in Magistrates Court yesterday accused of trying to smuggle $13,500 worth of cocaine into the United States through the country’s main port of entry.

Marello Cartwright, 32, of Coral Harbour and Jamal McCoy, 22, of Market Street appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing four drug-related charges concerning a raid in the US Departure Lounge of the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Friday, November 22.

The offences they are alleged to have committed are: possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, taking steps preparatory to export dangerous drugs, and conspiracy to export dangerous drugs. Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges when called on to enter a plea.

On the day in question, officers from of the police’s Central Intelligence Bureau acted on a tip that led them to the US Departure Lounge at LPIA around 4pm. They conducted a search which led to 1 3/4 lbs of cocaine being discovered in a carry-on bag.

Magistrate Forbes told Cartwright and McCoy that they would stand trial on April 17, 2014 and would be remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison, as the court no longer has the power to consider bail applications.

They can however apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

McCoy has retained Jomo Campbell to defend him while Cartwright is represented by Gregory Hilton.