Dominica Court Denies Bail to Two Men Charged with Massive Cocaine Possession

Key Points:

• Phillon Kevin Joseph and Jamel Cordice Delpeche charged with possession with intent to supply 500,073 grams of cocaine.
• Both men denied bail by the Magistrate’s Court in Roseau.
• Prosecution cited flight risk and ongoing investigations as reasons for denying bail.
• Defense argued that being CARICOM nationals should not be grounds for bail denial.
• Preliminary inquiry set for September 25, 2024, at La Plaine.

Two Vincentian nationals, Phillon Kevin Joseph and Jamel Cordice Delpeche, have been denied bail by the Magistrate’s Court in Roseau. The men were arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply 500,073 grams of cocaine, an incident that took place on May 20, 2024, in Delice.

The court case was presented before the Magistrate on a recent hearing. The prosecution, led by Police Sergeant Boycott Yankey, argued that both men were a flight risk due to their lack of a fixed residence in Dominica and the fact that they were apprehended at a hotel. Sergeant Yankey also mentioned that the police were still pursuing another individual connected to the case and that granting bail to Joseph and Delpeche could hinder the ongoing investigation.

During the court proceedings, Sergeant Yankey cited section 7 (1) c of the Bail Act, emphasizing the seriousness and prevalence of drug trafficking offenses in Dominica. He stressed that releasing the accused on bail would not be in the state’s interest due to the significant amount of drugs involved and the potential risk of flight.

Defense lawyer Wayne Norde, representing Joseph and Delpeche, argued against the denial of bail. He stated that the fact that his clients were not nationals of Dominica should not be the sole reason for refusing bail, noting that they are CARICOM nationals and should be treated accordingly. Despite this argument, the Magistrate found that being apprehended at a hotel indicated no significant ties to the island.

After reviewing the arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, the Magistrate concluded that bail should be denied. The case has been adjourned to September 25, 2024, at La Plaine for the commencement of the preliminary inquiry. During this period, the men are to remain in custody as the legal process continues.

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