A man accused of money laundering is believed by Police to be a high-ranking member of a West End gang, a court has been told.

Kenith Bulford, 40, is accused of possessing the proceeds of crime totalling nearly $325,000 in American currency.

Yesterday, a police expert in gang behaviour in Bermuda told the Supreme Court jury that the MOB gang was involved in the sale and importation of controlled drugs.

Sergeant Alexander Rollins said: “In my opinion, he [Kenith Bulford] is a member of the MOB gang.

“MOB are a gang that has influence in the western end of the Island from Somerset Bridge to Dockyard.”

Sgt Rollins explained to the court that the structure of the MOB gang was similar to that of a family and he believed Mr Bulford was a “high-ranking member”.

He said: “Those at the head of the gang are referred to as shot-callers, while at the bottom we have young guys and girls, who are referred to as soldiers.”

Asked by prosecutor Victoria Greening what role a “shot-caller” would play in the sale and importation of drugs, he said:

“In regards to importation, they would likely fund it and organise it.

“They would rarely handle the controlled drugs and would do their best to stay out of the way.

“The guys and girls at the lower end would be responsible for selling controlled drugs and looking after their gang areas.”

Jurors have previously heard that Mr Bulford, 40, together with two women were detained at the airport on March 5, 2013 on suspicion of money laundering.

The two women’s bags were searched and police recovered nearly $315,000 in US currency hidden in the soles of new Nike sneakers, while more than $10,000 in cash was found on Mr Bulford and in his luggage.

Mr Rollins told the court he had spent four years in the Gang Targeting Unit as well as a year in the Western Community Action Team.

He said he had known Mr Bulford for “about ten years”.

When asked what type of drugs he believed that the MOB gang was involved in importing and selling, he replied: “Cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

“While they are a western gang, they are still known to supply people with controlled drugs across the Island.”

Mr Bulford denies two charges of possessing the proceeds of crime.

The case continues.