Bahamas News

Shortly after 2:30 pm Friday two men apprehended in connection with the major firearms, cash and drug bust on Grand Bahama last month were hauled into magistrates’ court number eight to answer 28 charges related to the multi million dollar seizure.

After more than a week on the run, Larry Alexander McIntosh, 32, and Devin Gilroy Garland, 30, appeared before Magistrate Carolita Bethel for arraignment on the drugs and firearms charges.

No one was charged Friday with the seizure of $7 million in the June 17 operation.

The two accused pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs – namely cocaine - with intent to supply; possession of dangerous drugs – namely cocaine – with intent to supply; conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs – namely marijuana – with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs – namely marijuana – with intent to supply.

A total of 104 packages of cocaine weighing 230 pounds with an estimated street value of $2 million, along with 73 pounds of marijuana were seized, according to police.

Court documents indicated that the offences all occurred between Wednesday June 6 and Sunday June 17.

The pair was also charged with 24 counts of possessing illegal forms.

Specifically, they were charged with four counts of unlawful possession of a .9 mm firearm; one count of possession of a .38 calibre handgun; one count of possession of a .45 calibre handgun; five counts of possession of a 7.62 calibre rifle; one count of possession of a .223 calibre rifle and two counts of unlawful possession of a 12 gauge shotgun.

Additionally, McIntosh and Garland were charged with unlawful possession of 174 7.62 calibre bullets; 18 .38 calibre bullets; 221 rounds of .223 ammunition; 552 rounds of .9 mm ammunition; 43 rounds of .38 calibre ammunition; 94 rounds of .38 calibre ammunition and possession of eight rounds of .40 calibre bullets.

The men were also charged with three counts of unlawfully possessing firearms silencers.

Just before being remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison, Garland’s attorney, Carlson Shurland, told Magistrate Bethel his client had a “genuine concern” about his personal well-being in prison.

Magistrate Bethel asked Mr. Shurland to specify whom his client was in fear of, but upon being told he could not identify a specific threat, she said she would be able only to ensure that the accused would receive a psychological evaluation upon admittance to the prison.

The men were ordered to return to court on July 9 for a bail and fixture hearing.

By Darrin Culmer
The Bahama Journal