This is what 1 kilo of cocaine looks like. *Photo credit: staff.esuhsd.org

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Magistrate Joan Fung has remanded British national, Andrew Marriot to prison after he was charged with being in possession of cocaine while trying to board a flight to the United Kingdom earlier this month.

Marriot, who appeared in court on Monday, was found with 1.7 kilos of cocaine during a joint operation at the VC Bird International Airport, by the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy and the Customs Department on December 12.

Law enforcement officials said that the cocaine had an estimated street value of EC$61,000 (US$23,461).

The court was told that Marriot, who was charged with possession of cocaine; possession of cocaine with intent to supply and concern in the supply of the illegal drugs, was held based on a tip-off.

Meanwhile, Jamaican national, Devon McKintosh, who was held and charged jointly with Marriot, was granted bail in the sum of EC$50,000 (US$19,230) with three sureties. He was also required to pay a deposit of EC$20,000 (US$7,692).

McKintosh pleaded guilty to all three charges while Marriot pleaded not guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and concern with the supply of the illegal drugs. However, he pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of cocaine.