Leon King (braids) and Gerry Freeman are facing charges of money laundering and possession of cocaine. Photo: VINO/File

Also charged with money laundering and possession of cocaine are Jomo Jack (left) and James John (right). Photo: VINO/File

Prosecutor Valston Graham, who appeared for the Crown, indicated to the court that most of the evidence was available and the prosecution was ready to proceed with the case.

The accused are James Telesforde John, a 62-year-old captain from Tortola, who is facing charges of unlawful importation of cocaine 114 kg; possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($391,780); possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($178,060); possession of proceeds of criminal conduct ($81,585); and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Jomo Jack and Leon King, were jointly charged with possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($178,060), with Hugh Erickson and Gerry Freeman also facing a joint charge of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct ($37,040.25).

Erickson and Freeman were represented by Anthea Smith while John and Jack were represented by Stephen Daniels. King sought new representation and is now being defended by Ruthilia Maximea.

The court heard that the joint charges were as a result of the money being found in two vehicles occupied by each of the two defendants.

Three charges were also brought against all five men and included assisting another to retain the benefit of criminal conduct, unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug to another.

Previously all five men had pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

As a result of their pleas, applications of bail were presented to the court on behalf of Mr. Erickson and Mr. King, both of which were denied by Magistrate Richards.

In giving the reasons why the court thought it unfit to grant bail for both defendants, Magistrate Richards stated that as a result of the said charges being faced by the men, there is no amount of bail that can be offered to secure the defendants.

It is alleged that on August 10, 2012, in Road Town, in the vicinity of the Government Administration Complex, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force observed and arrested the five men who were suspected to have drugs in their possession.

Upon their arrest, the court was informed, officers recovered over $688,000 in cash and around 114 kilos of cocaine, which had an estimated street value of $11.4 million.