A federal judge in Miami has ruled that the premier of the British Virgin Islands can be released on a $500,000 bond, following his arrest on drug-smuggling charges in a U.S. government sting in South Florida.

The premier of the British Virgin Islands appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday after his arrest on cocaine-smuggling charges.

U.S. authorities say the premier of the British Virgin Islands and the director of the Caribbean territory’s ports have been arrested on drug smuggling charges in South Florida.