Kenneth James, 51, of Dominica, made his initial appearance Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon after being charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, acting U.S. Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
James was detained pending preliminary and detention hearings set for Thursday.
According to the complaint, on Monday James attempted to sell about 12 kilograms of a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.
Conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine carries a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison or more than life and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.