Accused in VIP cocaine plot begin to lead defence
A couple and a former ministerial aide, who are accused of plotting to traffic a large quantity of cocaine aboard a Fly Jamaica flight in 2015, were yesterday ordered to lead a defence after a court found that a prima facie case was made out against them. Magistrate Judy Latchman delivered the ruling to Mahendra Ramsuchit and Rohbina Basdeoram, who on January 30, 2015, were allegedly found with 10.392 kilogrammes and 10.968 kilogrammes of cocaine respectively, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport VIP Lounge, and Kenroy Joseph, who is accused of aiding and abetting them. It is alleged that Joseph presented forged documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Airport Duty Office, claiming that he was carrying out protocol duties for the couple. Magistrate Latchman told the trio that they would have to put forward their defence by telling their side of the story and/or producing witnesses who can corroborate their evidence.
Basdeoram yesterday testified that on the day of her arrest at the airport, she gave the police a statement “under confusion and postpartum stress.” At the time of her arrest, she was pregnant with her third child.
The accused told the court that she was locked up for over 15 hours without water, a telephone call or a lawyer. Basdeoram maintained that while the police questioned her about the narcotics they found in her luggage, she told them that she hadn’t any knowledge of the parcels. The defendant told the court that she tried her best to co-operate with the officers at the airport.
Basdeoram said that
after she and Ramsuchit were taken to Police Headquarters at Eve Leary, the lawmen told him to take the rap for her so she can go free. She said that Ramsuchit was resultantly forced into signing a caution statement.
Meanwhile, Ramsuchit began his testimony and corroborated Basdeoram’s testimony of the day of their arrest the large quantity of drugs that were found in their luggage. Ramsuchit told the court that he would be bringing a witness to testify on his behalf.
Joseph is expected to lead his defence at the next adjourned date. The trial will continue on January 24.