No bail for coke trafficking accused

Ramesh Doon was rearrested on a provisional warrant at his home at Crosby Street, Aranjuez, on Tuesday by officers of the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit (OCNU) and the Firearm Bureau. He had been freed on an extradition warrant in June last year.

Doon was arrested the first time with Jitram Sookdeo, Ronald Rackal, Hafeez Mohammed, Indaryartee Dwarika and Andre Ravi Persad by members of the OCNU at a warehouse at Orange Field Road, Freeport, on January 22, 2001. They were found with 542 kilos of cocaine stacked among cassava.

According to Mc Nicolls, based on the serious nature of the matter, the chances of Ramesh Doon absconding were great, and bail was denied. Doon was, however, advised of his right to apply to a judge in chambers.

Doon’s attorney Rajiv Persad had earlier argued that the offences for which his client was wanted in the US were bailable offences. In addition, Persad said Doon, who had been out on $250,000 bail for the matter that had been discontinued, had religiously attended all of his court hearings.

However, attorney for the requesting State, Douglas Mendes SC, argued that while he did not dispute Doon’s impeccable court attendance, there were two factors that could not be overlooked. He said since the discontinuation of Doon’s last extradition matter, three of the persons with whom the accused had been jointly charged with the offences had been convicted and were serving sentences in the US. Mendes said this increased the temptation for Doon to disappear.

Also, the attorney said, the prosecution’s case had been strengthened by Mohammed’s decision to give evidence against Doon. With Mohammed’s evidence, Doon’s chances of conviction were more certain, Mendes said.

Attorneys Dana Seetahal and David West appeared with Mendes for the requesting State, while attorney Om Lalla appeared with Persad for Doon.

Doon will reappear before Mc Nicolls tomorrow.