Estranged husband of MP admits role in drugs plot

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC):

The estranged American husband of a leading Bermudian member of parliament (MP) has admitted plotting to possess and distribute US$15 million worth of marijuana destined for Bermuda.

Dennis Pamplin, in custody since his arrest in July 2008, is due to be sentenced by a Manhattan court next March, media here reported last Friday.

Narcotics officers arrested Pamplin, who is estranged from opposition United Bermuda Party MP Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, in July 2008 alongside another American, Brian Henry.

The arrests came after undercover police and special agents swooped on a New Jersey warehouse after a month-long surveillance operation.

According to a 2008 statement from New Jersey's Drug Enforcement Administration, the men were brought in for questioning after a police dog sniffed out a large amount of marijuana hidden inside concrete pillars at the warehouse.

Following their arrests, Pamplin was charged with conspiring with others to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana with an estimated street value in Bermuda of US$15 million.

Court papers say the plot spanned the period 2006 to July 2008.

He also faced a second charge, that on or about July 15, 2008, he and co-conspirators possessed approximately 318 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute it.

Pamplin maintained his not guilty plea in respect of that charge, which prosecutors accepted.

According to a spokesman for the court dealing with the case, Manhattan's Southern District Court, there was no plea deal.

Henry had previously admitted his role in the drugs conspiracy and also to being a gun runner. He will be sentenced next April.