A Bermudian accused of operating a drug smuggling ring will appear in court in Jamaica today for extradition proceedings to the US.

Anthony Quinton Beech was arrested at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay last Thursday while trying to leave the Caribbean island.

Beech, who told Police he was a painter and decorator of Alexandra Road, Devonshire, is wanted on drug charges in the northern district of Georgia.

Sgt. Dorel Jackson, of Jamaica Constabulary Force, told The Royal Gazette that Beech had been indicted in the US in February, 2003 for conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

The 44-year-old, who is accused of operating a drug smuggling ring between Atlanta and Miami and between Jamaica and Bermuda between 2001 and 2003, was due to appear in court in the US in March.

"He fled there on July 7 and came to Jamaica," said Sgt. Jackson, who added that the Fugitive Apprehension Team and Organised Crime Unit had arrested him last week.

Beech will appear at Jamaica's Corporate Area Resident Magistrates' Court today.