UNITED STATES – Federal prosecutors in New York are pushing back against efforts by accused Bahamian drug trafficker Jonathan Eric Gardiner to challenge evidence and recover thousands of dollars seized following a plane crash off Florida.
In a 34-page court filing, prosecutors are asking a judge to reject five pretrial motions filed by Gardiner, also known as “Player.”
Gardiner is accused of playing a major role in an international cocaine trafficking network that allegedly moved large quantities of drugs through The Bahamas and into the United States.
Prosecutors claim he oversaw drug pilots, indirectly owned aircraft used to transport cocaine, and controlled a construction business allegedly used to launder drug proceeds.
Gardiner was taken into U.S. custody after surviving a plane crash off Florida in May.
He was among eleven people rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 12th, election day.
Authorities later recovered three cellphones, a notebook, and thirty thousand dollars in Bahamian currency from his belongings.
Prosecutors say some of the cash was labeled with the name of a Bahamian politician who had previously been introduced to a confidential source during discussions about a proposed cocaine shipment of up to one thousand kilograms.
They believe the money may have been intended as a bribe to facilitate drug trafficking.
Gardiner’s attorneys are challenging the search of his electronic devices, questioning the government’s continued retention of the cash, and seeking more information about the alleged conspiracy.
But prosecutors insist the search warrant was supported by probable cause and that the defense has already received extensive evidence, including electronic communications, recordings, and investigative reports.
The government wants all five motions denied.
Gardiner remains in federal custody after being denied bail.
His trial on cocaine importation conspiracy and firearms charges is scheduled to begin March 1, 2027, in New York.
He denies the allegations.
