Table of Contents
Three Saint Lucians denied bail in cocaine bust involving 22 kilograms of the illegal drug, as they await trial in Saint Vincent following their court appearance.
Three Saint Lucians have been denied bail in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines after being charged in connection with the possession and trafficking of 22 kilograms of cocaine. The individuals—Dolton “Degree” John, a 32-year-old fisherman from Castries; Moses “Laygay” Barbour, a 50-year-old steel bender/carpenter from Vieux Fort; and Ezra “Will” Henry, a 49-year-old self-employed individual from Castries—appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Wednesday.
The men pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, and conspiracy to traffic cocaine, which allegedly occurred between September 16 and 17 in Hamilton, Bequia.
01
of 04Bail Denied in Cocaine Bust
According to iWitness News SVG, the prosecution, led by Inspector Renrick Cato, opposed bail for the three Saint Lucians denied bail in the cocaine bust. Cato argued that, as non-nationals, the defendants posed a flight risk, stating, “St. Lucia is just across the waters,” and expressing concerns that the men might flee if released on bail. The prosecution also noted that testing of the seized cocaine was still pending, which is necessary in drug-related cases when the accused pleads not guilty.
02
of 04Defence Argument
Ronald Marks, the defense attorney for the accused, acknowledged that Moses Barbour is of Vincentian descent, with family ties in Barrouallie, Saint Vincent. However, Marks did not immediately apply for bail, opting instead to gather further information to support his future bail application for Barbour. Regarding the other two defendants, Marks argued that being Saint Lucian should not automatically disqualify them from being granted bail.
Marks indicated that he would file a formal bail application before the one-month remand period ends, pending further developments in the case.
03
of 04Remand and Next Steps
The three men, who were part of the Saint Lucians denied bail in the cocaine bust, have been remanded in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for October 17. Magistrate Colin John upheld the prosecution’s concerns about the defendants’ potential to flee the jurisdiction.
04
of 04Ongoing Drug Enforcement Efforts
This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement in the Eastern Caribbean to combat drug trafficking. Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia have been key transit points for narcotics, prompting regional authorities to intensify operations to curb drug smuggling.
For more updates on this case, follow Unitedpac St. Lucia News Crime Justice category.
