A 36-year-old Abaco man was arraigned in court yesterday in connection with a $9.6 million drug bust which took place near Spanish Cay on Friday. Felix Johnson was charged with conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and importation of dangerous drugs.

The prosecution alleges that on September 19 Johnson conspired with others to posses a quantity of cocaine with intent to supply. On that same day, he is alleged to have conspired with others to import the cocaine into The Bahamas.

Johnson, who was represented by attorney Roger Minnis, pleaded not guilty to all four counts. Magistrate Carolita Bethel remanded him to prison until Friday for a bail hearing and fixture date.

Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers seized the cocaine, which was contained in 22 suitcases aboard a go-fast boat off Spanish Cay in the Abacos, according to police.

Superintendent of Police Anthony Ferguson reported that around 11 a.m. Friday, DEU officers on patrol in the area of Spanish Cay became suspicious when they spotted a 27-foot, go-fast boat leaving the area.

After noticing the police, the boat's operator headed back toward the cay where the vessel was abandoned, according to police, who added that the two people onboard fled into nearby bushes.

"Assistance was called in by the OPBAT (Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos) helicopter and a team of officers converged on the island where they conducted routine searches on Spanish Cay and neighboring areas," Ferguson said.

Initially, police took Ferguson along with a female into custody; however, only Ferguson was charged.

Yesterday, police said they were searching for Vincent Neville Culmer, 47 of 16 Benson Road, and Martin James Bootle, 45, of Cooper's Town, Abaco, who are wanted for questioning in connection with the illegal drugs.

By KRYSTEL ROLLE