Two Jamaicans believed to be behind the cultivation of an estimated $16.8 million worth of marijuana plants in Grand Bahama were arraigned in a magistrate's court yesterday.
Demar Jarrett, 28, and Etton Spencer, 55, both of Westmoreland, were charged with possession of dangerous drugs, cultivation of dangerous drugs and conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with the intent to supply.
It is alleged the pair carried out the offences on March 24.
They pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
Their lawyer, Nathan Smith, told Magistrate Guilimina Archer his clients suffered abuse while in police custody and were not duly informed of their right to counsel.
He said he was also informed that Spencer and Jarrett were offered inducements. However, he did not give details.
Smith requested that his clients be provided with medical attention for their injuries.
Archer said the men would receive medical attention once they are remanded to Her Majesty's Prisons.
The matter was adjourned until April 8 for fixture. The case was transferred to court 8.
According to police, officers spotted the field during a routine aerial patrol by officers attached to the Drug Enforcement Unit and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
The marijuana plants were reportedly in excess of 27 plots and scattered over two miles of land.
Police said there were approximately 167,000 plants.
A third man was charged earlier this week in connection with the drug find.
Police said they also found two high-powered weapons on the marijuana field.`
In other court news, Dwayne Major, 25, of Baillou Hill Road, was also charged with possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply.
It is alleged that Major, a Bahamian, was found with marijuana on April 1.
Major, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded to prison.
Archer adjourned the matter to April 7. The case has also been transferred to court 8.
Major was not represented by an attorney.

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