A government security officer who has been charged for allegedly having approximately $19 million worth of cocaine has been granted bail in the sum of $80,000.
Stacy Smith, a BVI Islander who is a government security officer was brought before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer on Thursday October 21, charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another.
The bail of the 43-year-old male of Hope Hill, Tortola included the payment of $15,000 cash and one surety.
What the court heard
According to the information presented by the prosecution during the virtual court hearing, members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force after receiving a tip that Smith was in possession of cocaine, executed a search warrant at his residence.
Upon arrival at Smith’s residence, the court heard that he allegedly informed the police that he was in possession of illicit drugs, which were later found in several bags in the garage section of his residence.
When asked to identify the contents of the bags, the prosecution said that Smith said he believed the contents to be that of cocaine.
However, he allegedly told the officers that he was merely doing a favour for a friend by temporarily storing the illegal drugs at his residence.
The name of this “friend” was not disclosed during the proceedings.
Smith was subsequently arrested and the cocaine after being weighed tallied approximately 188 kilograms with a street value $19 million.
Adjourned until November 30
Smith, who is being represented by attorney Valerie Stephens-Gordon was not required to enter into a plea during Thursday’s hearing, however he will be expected to enter into a plea when the matter resumes on November 30.