During their virtual arraignment hearing held earlier today, Monday, March 8, Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards, after hearing legal arguments from both sides, opted to deny the men bail.

Hodge

Hodge, a taxi operator and car rental owner of Cane Garden Bay, is charged with possession of a controlled drug and possession of a control drug with intent to supply.

He entered not guilty pleas to both offences.

The court heard that 535.30 kg of cocaine, with a street value of $53 million was found on March 6 stashed inside 18 black duffle bags inside Hodge’s vehicle in Cane Garden Bay.

Callwood

Meanwhile, Callwood, a businessman, was also remanded to prison after the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force searched his Butu Mountain residence and found a firearm with one live bullet in the breach.

At the time of the search, the unlicensed gun was found in a porch, concealed in a towel outside Callwood’s bedroom, along with $16,000 in cash inside a locked safe.

No Bail

The senior magistrate said she was denying both men their bail due to the serious nature of both offences, and they would attract fines and prison time if they are convicted.

Furthermore, she told the defendants that she could think of no conditions that would ensure that they attend court to answer to their matters.

Bail

Meanwhile, Pia King, 22, who is Callwood’s girlfriend and co-accused, was the only person granted bail.

She was granted $60,000 bail, with one surety.

As part of her bail, $10,000 must be cash. In addition, she is to report to the Road Town Police Station three days a week between 6 am and 12 noon.

Her travel documents must also be given to the police.

All the defendants were legally represented, and the trio will reappear in court on April 29.