13 May 2011

Two of 13 Cooks drugs ring accused free on bail

6:06 pm on 13 May 2011

Eleven people of a 13-member drug ring in the Cook Islands remain in jail after appearing before a Justice of the Peace in Rarotonga.

They were arrested at the beginning of the week after a year-long police operation.

One woman was released on bail after pleading guilty to one charge and another person facing one charge is also out on bail.

All others have yet to enter pleas to the various charges they face, which relate to the importation, cultivation, distribution and use of class A and C drugs in the Cook Islands.

Three of those accused also face charges of corruption as serving or former public servants.

Bail applications by the remaining 11 defendants were denied as they face multiple charges of serious crimes.

A hearing via teleconference with a New Zealand judge is planned for Tuesday and the names of those still in custody are supressed.