I was threatened by the police in relation to my statements

The drug trial of former Police Staff Association chairman Sonny Miller resumed with witness Christhian Garcia Aristizabal testifying that he and another man were charged with importing drugs into Acklins. Aristizabal stated that they flew to The Bahamas with drugs and upon arrival, saw a man in a black hoodie on the tarmac who gave them a satellite phone. He then described a series of events involving the police seizing drugs from their plane, a helicopter arriving, shots being fired, and ultimately being arrested.

Aristizabal mentioned that he had two police interviews in New Providence, during which he did not initially disclose the full story of what happened. However, during a second interview, he implicated police involvement in the drug operation. He claimed that despite his cooperation, he was not visited by a lawyer while in prison, only by police officers, and he denied being encouraged to make accusations in exchange for a reduced sentence. He also alleged that police threatened him not to discuss his statements in court.

During the trial, footage of the drug bust was shown in court, and Aristizabal’s testimony was cross-examined by Mr. Miller’s lawyer, Bjorn Ferguson. Despite facing pressure and threats from police, Aristizabal remained adamant in his claims of police involvement in the drug operation. He also mentioned that he informed prison officials of the threats made against him but was unsure if any action was taken against the officers who allegedly threatened him.

In addition to Aristizabal’s testimony, US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Travis Rhea testified that he piloted the helicopter on the day of the drug bust. This witness testimony added another layer to the events surrounding the drug operation in Acklins. The various pieces of evidence and witness accounts presented during the trial shed light on the intricate details of the case and the roles that different individuals played in the alleged drug smuggling operation.

The witness’s detailed account of the events leading up to the drug bust, including interactions with individuals at the scene and involvement of law enforcement, provided crucial insights into the case. Aristizabal’s testimony, though fraught with allegations of threats from police, added a layer of complexity to the trial. The cross-examination by Mr. Miller’s lawyer and the testimony of US Coast Guard Lt. Commander Rhea further contributed to the ongoing proceedings and helped to paint a clearer picture of the events surrounding the drug trial. Ultimately, the trial continued to unravel new details and implications, highlighting the complexities of the case.