Merren makes no pleas in latest court hearing

(CNS): A 47-year-old Caymanian businessman appeared in court Puerto Rico Friday to answer charges of money laundering and drug trafficking but it is understood that Bryce Merren did not enter any pleas, despite being due for arraignment. Merren is still being held on remand in the Guaynabo jail on the US-owned Caribbean island in relation to the case, in which Merren appeared to be caught out in a sting operation, when he allegedly attempted to make a drug deal with undercover agents. He is charged with three counts of conspiracy and attempts to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as money laundering connected to the proposed deal.

US law enforcement agencies claim Merren was involved in a plot to smuggle up to three thousand kilos of cocaine and he sent US$200,000 from a Cayman bank account to one in Puerto Rican as a first payment on the deal.

A further date has not yet been confirmed for Merren’s next court appearance.