Three British nationals held with cocaine at airport

Three British residents are to face the court to answer to charges of breaches under the Dangerous Drugs Act in relation to two separate incidents at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James on May 6.

They have been identified as Loran Bartley, 59; Luke Bradly, 37; and Burthland Hodges, 49 all in Birmingham, England. In the first incident, Bradly was arrested at 1:45 p.m., while he was in the process of boarding a flight that was destined for Birmingham. During routine checks, cocaine weighing approximately five kilograms was found concealed in his luggage. In the second incident, about 4:20 p.m., Bartley was arrested when he was attempting to board the same flight. He was caught with cocaine also weighing approximately five kilograms -- the illicit drug was seen concealed in his luggage. Further investigation by the police resulted in Hodges' arrest. It is believed that he was Bartley's co-conspirator. Hodges is believed to be the organiser for the contraband that was found in the possession of Bradly. He would source the drug locally and pass it on to carriers. During the investigation, Hodges was arrested in St Ann. The drug has an estimated street value of $57.6 million.

Bartley and Bradly were charged with possession of, dealing in, attempting to export, and conspiracy to export cocaine. Hodges was charged jointly with Bradly with conspiracy to export cocaine. All three men were charged on May 10 after they were interviewed in the presence of their attorneys.

They are scheduled to appear before the St James Parish Court this Wednesday.