Bajan vessel intercepted at sea by coastguard officials

Four Barbadian nationals are now on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison after coastguard officials intercepted their vessel at Fancy Point last Friday.{{more}}

The vessel, which is now in the custody of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard, is alleged to have been carrying 1,706 pounds (774,524 grams) of cannabis when it was intercepted.

The men: Joel Erad Payne, 50, of 2nd Avenue Bank Hall, St Michael, Shawn Boucher, 36, of Lower Estate, St George, Ryan Corbin, 35, of Cave Hill, St Michael and Devon Hurdle, 38, of Rendezvous, Christ Church appeared before the Serious Offences Court yesterday, but were not allowed to enter a plea to the charges brought against them.

They are all jointly charged with possession of 1,706 pounds of cannabis with intent to supply it to another and intent to export 1,706 pounds of cannabis, at Fancy Point.

According to reports, the vessel “Rolling Deeper” was intercepted in a joint operation between local coastguard officers and members of the Barbados Coastguard.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that members of the Barbados police Drug Squad and the Maritime Unit, along with Barbados Coastguard personnel were last Thursday night involved in a high speed chase with the boat, which was at that time approaching Barbados, allegedly carrying the men and 24 bales of marijuana.

During the chase, the men allegedly changed direction and headed for St Vincent. After being intercepted by the Vincentian coastguard officers, the men are said to have attempted to flee.

In court, prosecutor, Nigel Butcher informed Chief Magistrate Sonya Young that he was objecting to bail, as the men were a flight risk. Butcher said the men came to the country illegally and did not clear immigration.

“They were intercepted by coastguard officers [while] attempting to flee …,” Butcher submitted.

The magistrate denied bail.

The matter was adjourned to July 23.

Counsel Richard Williams and Grant Connell appear on the men’s behalf.