Greek billionaire and heir to the Coca-Cola fortune, Alkiviades “Alki” David, was arrested May 9 by the Anti-Narcotics Unit at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. According to multiple reports, a search of his private jet uncovered approximately 5,000 cannabis plants, worth more than $1.3 million in total. Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers allegedly also was aboard.
David, who was released after posting $30,000 bail, is charged with Possession with Intent to Supply, Possession of Controlled Drugs, and Importation of a Controlled Drug into the Federation.
According to David, the plants are “pure hemp” and destined for his medical cannabis company, SwissX.
In a statement from SwissX, the company said David and business partner Chase Ergen had been in talks with Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris “to make sure [St. Kitts-Nevis] takes its rightful place as a leader in the world’s fastest growing industry—legal CBD hemp.” It went on to say, “talks have broken down and led to the arrests of David and Ergen.”
David was due back in court May 14.
