A Bermudian being hunted by US detectives on suspicion of drug smuggling is expected to appear in court in Jamaica today.

Anthony Quinton Beech, 44, was initially due to go before magistrates on the Caribbean island yesterday but court officials said last night that the extradition hearing had not taken place.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said it understood that the hearing would take place today following Beech's arrest last Thursday at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

A DEA spokeswoman said Beech, who has given officers his address as Alexandra Road, Devonshire, was indicted in the northern district of Georgia for allegedly conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

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

He was indicted in the US in February, 2003 for allegedly operating a drug smuggling ring between Atlanta and Miami and between Jamaica and Bermuda between 2001 and 2003.

He went to Jamaica on July 7 but was picked up by the Fugitive Apprehension Team and Organised Crime Unit trying to leave the country.