A Tortola fire officer maintained his innocence this week after he was charged in connection with about 34 kilograms of cocaine that police said they found while executing a search warrant at his home in Brandywine Bay on Oct. 28.
Aleem Fahie, 28, appeared on Oct. 31 in Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled drug and unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
The crown’s allegations
Senior Crown Counsel Khadija Beddeau told the court that police found 29 packed bricks of cocaine — which she said were worth more than $3 million — on the unfinished second storey of the home that Mr. Fahie shares with his blind father in Brandywine Bay.
She did not oppose defence attorney Stephen Daniels’ bail application, and Magistrate Khadeen Palmer made a $100,000 bail offer with one signed surety.
Ms. Palmer also required Mr. Fahie to turn over his travel documents; to check in at the Road Town Police Station three times a week; and to refrain from interfering with any prosecution witnesses.
He is scheduled to return to Magistrates’ Court for a reporting date on Dec. 6.
Top cop
In an Oct. 29 press release announcing the arrest, Police Commissioner Mark Collins said his force is committed to bringing all criminals to justice.
“Individuals who engage in drug distribution pose a significant threat to our community, and the [police force] is unwavering in its determination to prosecute these offenders,” he said.
Anyone with information that may assist with investigations can call the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or at 284-800-8477 from overseas.
The police Intelligence Unit can also be reached directly at 368-9339.