The man accused of trafficking cocaine by placing the illegal drug in straws claimed that he was “set up” and agreed to give a statement in writing, the court heard yesterday.
The trial of Obrian White, 23, a computer technician of Lot 33 San Souci, Wakenaam, continued at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
White, along with Adrian David, 23, a porter, are charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. It is alleged that on December 6, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, White and David, of Lot 192 Plantain Walk, West Bank Demerara had in their possession 21.87 kilos of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
A search of cargo destined for Ontario, Canada on Caribbean Airlines Flight 484 uncovered 41 bags of mangoes and an assortment of noodles, among which it was found that the noodles had been replaced by drinking straws in six boxes and they contained a whitish substance determined to be cocaine. Investigations revealed that the cocaine was destined for Canada.
Sergeant Michael Houston, who is stationed at the Police Narcotics Branch, yesterday took the stand and testified before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry that on December 6, at about 08:40am, he was on duty at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Eve Leary when he received certain instructions and met with White who was in custody at the time.
Houston said that he took White to his office which was in the same building and offered him a seat which was across from where he sat in the presence of another police rank, Corporal Denny.
Houston said that he then told White that it was alleged that he trafficked 21.8 kilos of cocaine and cautioned him that anything he said would be put in writing. Houston told the court that White then replied “they set me up” and agreed to put it in writing.
The witness said that he then informed White that he could provide the statement in the presence of a relative or friend. He said that White then wrote his statement and read it back after which Houston and Denny signed as witnesses.
Houston further testified that White took him to a house on the West Coast of Demerara owned by Joan Narine and pointed out a shop where he said the mangoes and macaroni were kept along with several manure bags which were on the floor. Houston testified that the bags were then retrieved and taken to CID headquarters and logged for safe keeping.
White’s attorney, Peter Hugh, in his cross examination asked who was in charge of the investigation at the time and Houston replied that it was Inspector Lord.
Hugh then asked about him mentioning in his statement that White took him to a room but in testifying, he mentioned a shop, Houston said that he could not recall what he said in his written statement.
Hugh further submitted to Houston that prior to the police seeking White, they were searching for a man called Carl Roberts. Houston replied that it was so. Hugh then suggested to Houston that the illegal narcotics were from Roberts, but Houston replied no.
Hugh then asked if he had ascertained where the alleged narcotic was packed and Houston said yes. Hugh then asked if the location where the items were stored was examined and Houston replied yes. The attorney then asked if Houston had ascertained where the items were stored and Houston replied that it was in Narine’s compound. Hugh then asked if the police found out if Narine has keys to the shop and Houston’s response was no.
Hugh then inquired if a statement was taken from Narine by him and Houston replied no. The matter will continue on Monday when more witnesses will take the stand.
