Bajan QC to defend drug-accused policeman in BVI

One of Barbados’ senior criminal lawyers is heading to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to represent a police officer in a high-profile drug case.

Queen’s Counsel Michael Lashley has been retained by Sergeant Troy St Helen of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), who is facing three charges in Tortola in connection with over 200 kilogrammes of cocaine with an estimated street value of over US$200 million.

The 39-year-old St Helen, a well-known police officer, was charged on July 30, 2021, with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

The drugs were seized on January 19.

St Helen was offered $200,000 bail with two sureties at the Magistrates’ Court, which included the payment of a $20,000 cash component.

Lashley told Barbados TODAY he would soon be joining two other lawyers to form St Helen’s defence team.

The Queen’s Counsel, who was called to the Bar in the BVI on February 15, 2021, revealed it would be his first time practicing law in that jurisdiction.

“I feel honoured. It is a new experience for me to really go and practice in another jurisdiction. Obviously, they will have a difference in approach in terms of preparation from their point of view and the management of the case in terms of case management,” Lashley noted.

He said having looked at the evidence and spoken with the other members of the legal team, he was confident they would emerge victorious.

“I think that based on the instructions he has a good defence,” Lashley said.

The RVIPF said St Helen had been suspended from duty earlier this year following his suspected involvement in the drug seizure.

According to a release from the RVIPF, during an operation on January 19 in the Brandywine area, officers intercepted a rental vehicle and when it was searched, a large quantity of cocaine was discovered.

The search of a second vehicle uncovered a smaller quantity of cocaine. A boat was also seized as part of the operation.

St Helen is the third person charged in connection with the drug find.

Shaun Massicott, 28, was also charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and being concerned with the supply of a controlled drug. Devon Bedford was previously charged in the matter.

Just last year, the RVIPF captured and charged two more serving members of its ranks with cocaine valued at around US$250 million in Balsam Ghut.

At the time, Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews said it was the largest seizure ever made in the BVI and the single largest seizure in the history of the RVIPF.
(randybennett@barbadostoday.bb)