Four men, who were arrested Sunday after a stop-and-search operation by police allegedly uncovered 260 grams of cannabis and a loaded handgun, were granted bail by Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens on Tuesday afternoon.
Mustafa Claxton, Jose Miguel Christopher, Chaim Todman and Shaun Williams all pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to import cannabis, unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to supply, carrying an unlicensed firearm and possession of explosives.
Messrs. Claxton, Williams and Christopher were also charged with illegal entry and unlawful importation of a firearm, and pleaded not guilty to those charges as well.
“There are six charges here, but it was really just one traffic stop,” said defence attorney Patrick Thompson, who represented Mr. Christopher, 28, of Long Look, and Mr. Williams, 31, of Purcell Estate. “In that regard, the men are entitled to bail.”
Marie-Lou Creque represented Mr. Todman, 32, of Johnsons Ghut. Mr. Claxton, 26, of Free Bottom, did not have a lawyer present.
Messrs. Christopher, Claxton and Williams were granted $60,000 bail with one surety. They were ordered to surrender their passports and report to the Road Town Police Station four days a week.
Mr. Todman was granted $70,000 bail signed with one surety and ordered to report to the Road Town Police Station daily. He was also ordered to surrender his passport, but Ms. Creque said he might have to travel for medical reasons.
A trial date was set for June 12.
See the April 19, 2012 edition for full coverage.