Cocaine in pholouri trial to begin next month
Accused further remanded
Stabroek News
November 13, 2003

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The trial into the discovery of a quantity of cocaine in pholouri, egg balls and sugar cakes at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri is set to commence next month.

Accused Chatraj Boodlall also known as `Shawn' of 61-62 Jacaranda Avenue, Bel Air Park appeared before Senior Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle and was further remanded to prison yesterday.

Attorney-at-law Vic Puran yesterday made a bail application on Boodlall's behalf. Puran told the court the prosecution has no case against his client.

According to Puran the prosecution has no evidence to prove that Boodlall prepared the items and placed them in the American woman's suitcase.

He said further that the accused had shown the American kindness during her stay in the country but cannot be incarcerated because of his benevolence.

He added that the case against Boodlall is a fitting one for bail.

Oswald Massiah, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer, who is appearing in the capacity of prosecutor yesterday told the court CANU has a strong case against Boodlall. He said the accused was instrumental in the American's stay and departure and such details will come out in the trial.

Boodlall made his third court appearance since he was held last Thursday at his Bel Air Park home. He was jointly charged on Monday with American national, Karen Sue Chobot for trafficking in narcotics.

Chobot is serving a three-year sentence after she pleaded guilty to the charge. Cocaine amounting to 2.75 kilos was found in the food items in the American's suitcase on November 6.

Chobot was detained and Boodlall was later arrested after investigations.