WESTERN BUREAU — Anchovy businessman, Joseph Ward, who was caught with cocaine valued at over $2.5 million on Sunday, was on Thursday offered bail in the sum of $4 million.

The 37 year-old former boat captain is now the owner and operator of a car wash and body-work shop in Anchovy. He was offered bail when he reappeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court.

But RM Valerie Stephens, who presided over the case, made it clear that whoever was to stand surety for him would have to attend court. She said Ward posed a flight risk and, as such, ordered that he report to the police narcotics office in Montego Bay five days each week.

Ward, the father of one child, was reportedly caught with 16.25 pounds or 7.39 kilograms of cocaine while returning to the island from Curacoa on Sunday.

The illegal substance, valued at $2.58 million, was allegedly discovered inside a Coleman igloo that he had.

A x-ray of the container, thought by authorities to be heavier than normal, revealed the drug inside the lining and side.

As a result, Ward was slapped with charges of possession of, dealing in and importing cocaine.

He is to reappear before the RM court in Montego Bay on July 2, when the prosecution’s case file is expected to be complete with the addition of the forensic certificate.