Lorenzo Liburd of Coral Bay Arrested After Seizure of 4.75 Pounds of Cocaine

Lorenzo (Antonio) Liburd of Coral Bay, St. John, was arrested Saturday, October 4, at Cyril E. King Airport after authorities alleged they found 4.75 pounds of cocaine in his luggage as he prepared to board a flight out of the territory.

Liburd appeared before V.I. Superior Court Judge Michael Dunston on Monday, October 6, for an advice of rights hearing.

V.I. Port Authority Police Office Naisha Brathwaite told the court that she and another officer were told two suspicious packages had been discovered in Liburd’s personal belongings during routine searches, according to a report in the V.I. Daily News.

Brathwaite testified the packages were discovered by a federal Transportation Services Agency (TSA) officer during random screening, according to the published report. While searching a bag belonging to Liburd, the TSA officer found a taped package, according to Brathwaite.

Liburd gave officers permission to search the bag when they asked, and the officers found the two bricks, according to the report.

A TSA supervisor opened the package and found two bricks of a white substance which was field tested and found to be cocaine, according to the report.

When Liburd was asked if the bag was his, he said ‘Yes.’,” according to the report of Brathwaite’s testimony.

The judge found probable cause for Liburd’s arrest and set a $100,000 bail, with 10 percent cash payment required for his release,.

Dunston also told Liburd that if he posts bail he will be required to surrender his passports and other travel documents. The court will also consider home confinement and electronic monitoring for Liburd.
Liburd is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, October 16.