Dexter Chance, one of four men found guilty last year of drug-trafficking offences in connection with a 2008 coke bust, was sentenced to six years in prison, Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens ruled Tuesday.

Mr. Chance and six other men were arrested after police seized 61.2 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $1 million from a hidden compartment aboard a sailboat docked at the Hodges Creek Marina.

After a lengthy trial, which included testimony from two dozen witnesses, Mr. Chance was found guilty of importing cocaine, along with Carlos Sutherland, Gareth McDowall and Dale Nibbs.

Mr. Chance, who was represented by Stephen Daniels, was extradited from his native St. Vincent, and he has been on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison.

During a previous sentencing hearing, Mr. Daniels urged Ms. Stephens to take into account the time Mr. Chance had already served on remand in the VI and St. Vincent since his initial arrest in April 2009.

The six-year sentence runs from the time of his remand in the territory. Mr. Daniels said yesterday that he has already appealed the sentencing.

 

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