Accused: No drugs found in car

The police officer, who was attached to the Port-of-Spain Traffic Branch in 2003, denied that his lilac Nissan B-14 Sentra contained any cocaine when he loaned it to accused Christopher Prentice. Samuel said Prentice has been his friend for the past 12 years.

Samuel, attached to the Port-of-Spain Homicide Bureau of Investigations, gave evidence in the Port-of-Spain Sixth Criminal Court before Madame Justice Alice Yorke Soo Hon. Prentice, 46, of Harris Street, Curepe and Richard Dickson, 42, formerly of Centenary Street, Pasea, Tunapuna, are on trial for the possession of 5.95 grammes of cocaine. The cocaine was allegedly found under the front passenger seat floor mat in Samuel’s car, on November 3, 2003, in the vicinity of Mohammed Street, Tunapuna.

In his testimony, Samuel said he loaned his car to Prentice on that fateful day about 8.30 am. Samuel said Prentice who is also his neighbour, borrowed his car occasionally, and on that day wanted to carry his girlfriend out. Samuel said before the car was given to Prentice, he washed the vehicle, removed the mats and vacuumed the floor, cleaned the trunk and checked the engine. Samuel said he never saw any cocaine in the vehicle before it was given to Prentice.

Attorney Ian Ibrahim will examine his last witness today. Ibrahim is representing Dickson, while Dolsingh is representing Prentice.

Attorneys Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo and Tricia Hudlin represent the State.