Jamaican man among four charged, denied bail in Bahamas over marijuana and cocaine bust

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Four men, including a Jamaican, in The Bahamas have been denied bail on charges stemming from an alleged attempt to smuggle cocaine and marijuana into the country.

The prosecution alleges that Bahamian nationals Howard Rolle, James Jones and Zenard Rolle, along with Jamaican national Nicholas Duckenson of Negril, Jamaica, were planning to bring cocaine valued at US$18.4 million and marijuana valued at US$7,000 into the country when they were thwarted by the US Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard reportedly intercepted the drug-laden, Bahamian-registered go-fast boat off the coast of Cuba on December 7. Police allegedly seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine, seven pounds of marijuana, and a .40 Smith & Wesson pistol during a search of the vessel.

The men denied charges of possession of drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to possess drugs with intent to supply, and possession of an unlicensed firearm at their arraignment before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms.

Bail was denied, and their trial is scheduled for April 16.

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