REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Saturday May 14, 2005

THE Corby legal team wrote to Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison asking him to urgently write to the Bali chief judge, explaining the problems with drug trafficking in Australian airports and the role played by baggage handlers.

And Schapelle Corby’s family pleaded with the Federal Government to grant an amnesty to any baggage handler or handlers who could shed light on how the 4.1kg marijuana stash ended up in Schapelle’s unlocked bag.

Corby legal team coordinator Vasu Rasiah said the legal team’s emailed letter explained the need for an urgent reply as the three Bali judges had agreed to accept transcripts of alleged drug smuggling at Australian airports.

“I explained in the letter that we need his written response by Monday as that is the deadline set by Head Judge Linton Sirait at last Thursday’s final hearing,’’ he said.

“Although Judge Linton said the transcripts would not be accepted as legal evidence, it is still important for her defence as it highlights the problems involving drug trafficking and baggage handlers that we have been claiming since day one of Schapelle’s trial.’’

Documents tendered in a bail application in a Sydney court involving one of 12 men charged over the importation of 9.9kg of cocaine from South America alleged not only were baggage handlers key players who were paid $300,000 for their role but that the drugs came through the international airport on October 8 2004 - the same day Ms Corby, 27, and her boogie-board bag passed through there en route for Bali.