Antigua customs officer nabbed trying to smuggle drugs

ST JOHN'S, Antigua, December 4, 2009 - A senior customs officer in Antigua and Barbuda has been charged following attempts to smuggle almost 50 pounds of marijuana into the country and then trying to flee as workmates made the discovery.

Glenroy Brathwaite, an employee of the Customs Department for more than 10 years, was granted EC$50,000 (US$18,518) bail, EC$5,000 (US$1,851) of which he had to pay in cash, when he appeared in court yesterday to face charges of possession, intent to transfer, and intent to supply the drugs.

As part of his bail conditions, he also had to surrender his passport and must report to the police station twice a week.

The 37-year-old father of six was nabbed on Monday morning when he went to the VC Bird International Airport and collected a suitcase which arrived on a LIAT flight.

When he entered Customs the luggage was searched and packages of the illegal substance were allegedly found under the clothing.

Reports indicate that while the suitcase was being searched, Brathwaite tried to escape, but was later apprehended by police.

It is believed that the drugs, estimated to have a street value of about EC$145,000 (US$53,703), originated in St Vincent and the Grenadines.