Man on trial for trafficking ‘weed’

A DRUG-BUST by police, who swooped down via helicopter on a 53-year-old man in the Tableland forest, is the State’s main evidence in a marijuana trafficking trial being heard in the San Fernando Second High Court. State attorney Narissa Ramsundar is leading the State’s case against Koablal Balram, of Tableland. Balram, represented by attorneys Prakash Ramadhar and Brian Dabideen, went on trial yesterday before Justice Rajendra Narine, charged with having 2.2 kilogrammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking in his possession.  According to Ramsundar, on October 13, 1998, members of the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit, including Cpl Anthony Warrick and PC Baptiste, went to Tableland forest via helicopter and saw Balram in the bushes with a large plastic bag. As the helicopter flew Balram allegedly attempted to run away while dragging the bag behind him.