The preliminary inquiry into the discovery of 1,333 pounds of marijuana aboard the army flagship four months ago, resumed before Senior Magistrate Maxwell Edwards yesterday.

The hearing continued in the absence of defence counsel Vic Puran. Prosecution witness Eon Austin concluded his evidence in chief and is to be cross-examined by Puran when the hearing continues on November 11.

Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard rating, Godfrey Hackett then took the stand and testified. Puran is also set to cross-examine him on the next occasion.

State counsel Paula Gilford and Simone Bullen are appearing in the capacity of prosecutors while Puran is representing the defendants Wayne Inniss and Shandy Stephens.

Ex-soldiers Inniss and Stephens were jointly charged on July 16 with conspiracy to traffic in narcotics. Inniss is facing a separate charge of trafficking in narcotics.