By Erica James-King, Staff Reporter WESTERN BUREAU:
LLOYD ANTHONY Smith, the man who has been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure of approximately 1,600 pounds of cocaine in Hanover, is to appear before the Sandy Bay Resident Magistrate's Court today.
The 41-year old man, who was arrested by the Area 1 Narcotics Police on Monday of this week, was slapped with several charges and remanded in custody. He is charged with possession of, dealing in, conspiracy and taking steps preparatory to export cocaine.
Smith surrendered to the police last week Monday, and was arrested after being detained and interrogated for several days in connection with the $300 million drug bust. He was fingered as the owner for the vehicle in which the drugs was allegedly found.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Gladstone Wright of the Narcotics Division says although no one else is behind bars with regards to the contraband in Hanover, "it is likely that other persons will be questioned and arrested," as investigations intensify into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case stems from reports on August 9, that the Area 1 Narcotics police, assisted by the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing seized 1,596 pounds of cocaine in Tamarind Hill, Hanover, that they believe is linked to the drug trade between Jamaica and Colombia.
The seizure marked the culmination of a three-day special operation by the narcotics police in the parish.
Since January 1, roughly 1,200 kilogrammes (2,640 pounds) of cocaine has been seized by the narcotics police, and the lawmen indicate that the quantity seized slightly outstrips the amount captured in its dragnet during the corresponding period last year.
