In a significant narcotics interdiction case, three Barbadian fishermen now face serious drug trafficking charges following the seizure of cocaine valued at over $33 million off the island’s coast. The accused individuals include 55-year-old Sylverton Lewis Clarke from Emerald Park East, St Philip; his 33-year-old son Renaldo Jabari Carrington of Lower Burney, Haggatt Hall, St Michael; and 39-year-old Ryan Adrian Kelly-Prescod, who reportedly has no fixed address.
The charges allege that within Barbados’ Exclusive Economic Zone—a maritime territory established under the Marine Boundaries and Jurisdiction Act—the defendants unlawfully possessed 676 kilogrammes of cocaine, classified as a controlled substance. Additionally, they face accusations of intending to supply and traffic the substantial drug quantity, which authorities estimate holds a street value of $33,830,000.
During their appearance before Magistrate Manila Renee in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, the defendants did not enter pleas to the indictable offenses. Police prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips vigorously opposed bail, citing multiple factors including the substantial evidence against the men, the circumstances of their apprehension at sea, and Kelly-Prescod’s lack of permanent residence. Magistrate Renee subsequently ordered all three defendants remanded to Dodds Prison until their next court appearance scheduled for March 3.
Legal representation for Clarke was provided by attorney Matthew Willoughby, working in association with counsel Andrew Willoughby. The case continues to develop as authorities pursue their investigation into one of the most substantial drug seizures in recent Barbadian maritime history.