Dennis Pamplin appeared before a New York judge yesterday on multiple drugs and weapons smuggling charges. The brief hearing, held at Manhattan's Southern District Court, enabled defence attorney Louis Freeman to be recorded as Pamplin's new attorney.

Pamplin, the estranged husband of UBP MP Patricia Gordon Pamplin, was arrested along with American Brian Henry last July following a surveillance operation by detectives.

New Jersey's Drug Enforcement Agency said in a statement following the arrests that the suspects were brought in for questioning after a police dog sniffed out 700 pounds of marijuana hidden inside concrete pillars at a warehouse in Orange, New Jersey.

Both men were subsequently charged with four counts — including the illegal possession with intent to supply of 1,000 kilograms of a substance containing marijuana, the illegal possession with intent to supply of 500 grams of cocaine, and the illegal importation of firearms.

Although Pamplin has always maintained his innocence, his alleged partner in crime made a full confession and, in December 2008, pleaded guilty to all charges.

He told investigators that he oversaw the packing of approximately five shipments which contained marijuana weighing a total of approximately 2,100 pounds, or approximately 955 kilograms, which were destined for Bermuda.

Henry, who could be jailed for 20 years, will be sentenced in May. Pamplin, who has been in custody since his arrest, was yesterday ordered to appear before the court again on May 8.