Yesterday, Wednesday March 19, 2025, in the Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Palmer dismissed the matter of Olicity McMillan-Lans, stating there was no case to answer.
Olicity McMillan-Lans, a Hannah’s Estate resident was arrested in connection with the seizure of more than $45 million worth of a substance believed to be cocaine.
McMillan-Lans, a dual citizen of the United States and the BVI, was charged with the importation of drugs, being concerned with the supply of drugs, and possession of 453.78 kilos of cocaine.
Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards had denied bail for the 24-year-old at the time although his attorney Leroy Jones of Quantum Legal Associates Ltd had listed several similar court cases in which the accused persons were granted bail. His attorney however, was successful in securing $200,000 bail in the High Court.
What Happened
Allegations were that at some time after midday on April 11, McMillan-Lans and others were seen on a go-fast 38-foot vessel carrying “several bales of suspected cocaine”.
The vessel was said to be traveling south-east of St Croix in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands (USVI); towards the western end of Tortola.
After identifying what was transpiring, a joint operation commenced between BVI and USVI authorities who provided air support in the form of a helicopter.
It is alleged that a chase ensued between the aircraft and the vessel. And during the chase, multiple bales of the suspected cocaine were thrown overboard by the boat’s occupants.
The vessel later ran aground in the Fort Recovery area of Tortola. The occupants, including the captain, abandoned the vessel and made off in a pick-up truck, the court heard.
However, it is alleged that the truck crashed in Carrot Bay and McMillan-Lans was seen running from the area of the vehicle, into a wooded area where McMillan-Lans was apprehended and arrested. The others escaped.
The drugs were recovered and were said to have a street value of US$45,378,000.
DPP Loses Again
We understand that after four years, the Crown had been unable to bring substantial evidence to support the matter, forcing McMillan-Lans attorneys to move for a dismissal. They were successful.
The dismissal in the matter is one on a long list of losses for the DPP’s Office.
McMillan-Lans matter was represented in court by Jason Hamilton from the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis along with instructing lawyer E. Leroy Jones, BVI.