Denfield Roberts, 49, and Deshawn Lattibeaudiere, 23, both of Jennings, were found with 52.9 pounds of hashish, about 24 kilograms.[1] The seizure followed a police raid in Jennings on 12 May 2024.[2] Members of the Narcotics Squad searched a property the two Jennings men occupied at about 3 pm on 12 May 2024.[1] Following the discovery, both men were taken into custody by the police.[3] Hashish is a concentrated form of cannabis, produced by compressing the plant’s most potent components.[2]

They were charged with possession and possession with intent to transfer of 52.9 pounds of hashish, and with being concerned with supplying, importation and drug trafficking.[1] Antigua News estimated the seized substance at $590,200.[1] Later accounts put the estimated street value at EC$600,415.[2] Their lawyers were absent when they appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel to seek bail.[1] The defendants were remanded in custody until the following day.[1]

The trafficking trial of the two men, accused in connection with one of the largest drug seizures in the country’s history, was set to begin on 23 July 2026.[2] Both men are charged with drug trafficking.[2] The men appeared before Justice Ann Marie Smith and were given a new trial date.[2] Attorney Sherfield Bowen represents Roberts, while Lawrence Daniel represents Lattibeaudiere.[4]