Three men pleaded guilty to entering the territory illegally in Magistrates’ Court Tuesday.
Ruben Nunez, Esteban Acevedo Tapia and Joel Hernandez maintained their innocence, however, on a separate charge of not declaring more than $10,000 to Her Majesty’s Customs.
The three men, who all reside in San Juan, Puerto Rico, were arrested on Dec. 20 at a guesthouse in Cane Garden Bay.
During a joint operation with customs and immigration officers, police seized $133,110 after searching the guesthouse, police said in a press release.
After their pleas were heard, Senior Crown Counsel Sarah Benjamin asked for the matter to be adjourned so she could seek further instruction from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Having heard your guilty pleas, she needs to take instruction from her superior,” Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards explained to the men.
If the DPP decides to proceed on charges for not declaring the cash, a trial will be held, she added.
During the proceedings Tuesday, Messrs. Tapia and Hernandez pleaded guilty to landing in the territory without leave of a customs officer, while Mr. Nunez pleaded guilty to entry without leave of an immigration officer.
They are to return to court on Monday. The three men, who are represented by Stephen Daniels, are currently on remand.