A man wanted in the United States on a drug charge appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethell yesterday.
U.S. authorities want Roscoe Thompson, 52, extradited to face a charge of conspiring to distribute five kilos of cocaine in that country.
The U.S. filed the charge against Thompson in September 2007 and requested his extradition in January 2012.
Bethell said that in January of this year, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell signed off on an order that gave the court authority to proceed with the extradition hearing.
Prosecutors objected to Thompson’s bail, claiming he has a residence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and he would flee there.
Attorney Murrio Ducille appeared for Thompson. He said his client, who was charged before, has no previous convictions and no residence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He said Thompson is a resident of Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera, and has a heavy-duty equipment business.
Thompson was granted $30,000 bail with two sureties. The magistrate ordered him not to leave the jurisdiction and ordered that he turn over his travel documents.
He is also required to report to Rock Sound Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday before 6 p.m. until the conclusion of his matter.
The case was adjourned to October 2.
By Travis Cartwright-Carroll
Guardian Staff Reporter
