Two testify in extradition hearing

TWO WITNESSES gave evidence yesterday in the preliminary inquiry of a Guyanese businessman who faces extradition to the United States of America for trafficking cocaine.

Leon Paul Williams, 40, was arrested on a foreign extradition warrant for conspiring to traffic cocaine and trafficking cocaine between June 1993 and January 1997. The offences allegedly occurred in Washington DC. Williams was held at the Trinidad Hilton hotel on November 10, 2000, and the matter was subsequently called before Deputy Chief Magistrate Deborah Thomas-Felix. However, it was discontinued because the State wanted to introduce certain documents into evidence.  He was re-arrested on May 3, 2001, and the matter was called before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls.

Gerard Thomas, Director of Legal Marine Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave evidence yesterday under the directions of attorney David West, head of the Central Authority Department of the Attorney General’s office. Thomas was cross-examined by defence attorney Desmond Allum SC and re-examined by West. Also appearing for Williams is attorney Rajiv Persad. Cheryl Mendonca, an Administrative Officer V in the Ministry of the Attorney General, was the second witness to give evidence. The defence reserved the right to cross-examine the witness. Magistrate Mc Nicolls adjourned the matter to May 5. Williams, who currently resides in Arima, is on $750,000 bail with two sureties. He was granted bail with the conditions that he report to the Arima Police Station and he does not go within half a mile of any airport or seaport.