US drug probe rolls on in CI

(CNS):The RCIPS has refused to comment about the investigations underway in Cayman relating to the arrest of a local businessman in Puerto Rico. Although CNS understands that US law enforcement officials are now here, on Monday a police spokesperson refused to confirm or deny their presence but stated that the RCIPS was cooperating with the relevant authorities. Bryce Gilroy Merren is currently detained at the Guaynabo jail in Puerto Rico facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges in relation to a conspiracy to smuggle some 3,000 kilos of cocaine. Merren was arrested following the transfer of $200,000 on 3 March from a Cayman bank to one set up in San Juan by a US agent posing as a drug dealer.

At least one other individual is named in the affidavit filed by the US Homeland Security agent working the case but speculation mounted locally over the weekend that the conspiracy may be much wider and that a full scale investigation is now underway.

On Monday in a short statement the police said, “The RCIPS can confirm that it has been in consultation with our US and Puerto Rican colleagues in relation to the arrest of a local businessman on drug related matters. Any further queries should be directed to the substantive investigative agency, which is not the RCIPS.”