Suspected drug traffickers apply for bail-• Two said to be held under maximum security |16 February 2013

Principal state counsel David Esparon said “he had heard of the allegations but the onus of what part of the prison people are remanded lies with the prisons superintendent”.

Mr Esparon also confirmed that two other men are being considered as suspects in a potential related case for conspiracy to trafficking and the attorney general’s office will soon decide whether there is enough evidence to charge them or not, as investigations continue.

Judge Mohan Burhan is expected to announce his decision on the bail application by the seven men on March 1.

They have also been charged with possession of turtle meat and the additional charge of fishing for sea cucumbers without a valid licence is also expected to be arrayed against them.

They were caught on the fishing boat Charitha by the National Drugs Enforcement Agency (NDEA) on December 11, 2012.