The January 24 raid by narcotics officers resulted in the seizure of a quantity of mature marijuana plants.

One of the men involved is understood to be a prominent local businessman and city real estate owner.

Yesterday, Police spokesman Sgt. Roseanda Jones said: "Because this case involves a well-known person, people believe it is being handled differently than others. But it's not.

"There were people arrested prior to this case who have not yet appeared in court. Once the investigation is complete and the charges are set out by the Police and the Attorney General's Chambers, then it will go to court.'' Sgt. Jones said a recent case involving the court appearance of three men charged with importing more than 500 pounds of cannabis had to be dealt with quickly because the persons arrested were being held in custody.

A spokesman in the Attorney General's Chambers yesterday said of the case: "Police have not yet given me a file upon which I can make a decision (about charges).''