The parents of champion powerboat racer Kirk Roberts were charged yesterday over a $1.5 million cocaine bust in Dockyard.

Seventy-one-year-old William Roberts and his wife, Barbara, 59, appeared in a courtroom packed with family members and friends.

They later left Magistrates' Court amid hysterical scenes as Mrs. Roberts broke down in tears after the couple were remanded in custody.

The couple were charged with being concerned with others not before the court of possessing cocaine intended for supply sometime between a date unknown and September 11 in Sandys.

In addition, they were accused of knowingly handling cocaine intended for supply and having 36 plastic bags, kitchen scales and a knife in connection with a controlled drug.

Barbara Roberts, wearing a polka-dot dress, appeared shaken and held her head in her hands as Senior Magistrate Will Francis read out the three allegations.

Her husband, clad in a check shirt and shorts, looked on impassively.

The couple, from West Side Road, Sandys Parish, are owners of the North Basin Yacht Co. Ltd. in Dockyard. They were represented by Richard Hector and co-counsel Mark Pettingill.

Mr. Francis said the alleged offences were indictable and no plea was required.

Crown Counsel Khamisi Tokunbo told the court the pair were arrested in connection with a "major, major'' Police investigation.

The inquiry -- still in its early stages -- may extend beyond the shores of Bermuda, he added.

Mr. Tokunbo said a large amount of drugs was allegedly involved -- 30 pounds of cocaine, with an average purity of 81 percent and a street value of $1.5 million.

It was the largest bust of its type in Bermuda, he claimed.

During lengthy bail submissions, Mr. Tokunbo urged the couple to be remanded in custody for three weeks. Mr. Hector objected.

Mr. Francis remanded them in custody for two weeks until September 27.

After the ruling, Mrs. Roberts, visibly distressed, had to be helped from the courtroom by friends and relatives, including her son, Keith.

The couple's other son, Kirk, recently hit the sporting headlines when he won the Around the Island Powerboat Race.

Elderly couple charged in drug bust Thousands watched as he and co-pilot Douglas Davis stormed to victory during the 34th running of the event. Their time of 43 minutes, 47 seconds was some three minutes off the race record.

Kirk Roberts joined forces with his father in 1986 to buy North Basin Yachts, which specialises in the restoration, repairs and maintenance of all kinds of boats.

They saw the business -- formerly known as Woody's Yachts -- as a good opportunity to capitalise on the growth and development in Dockyard.

Police yesterday disclosed another person had been arrested in connection with the drugs bust, and was helping inquiries.