Dutch woman goes on trial

Adriana Kaya Teuben, 51, was arrested by PC Lyndon Russell of the Organised Crime and Narcotic Unit (OCNU) at the Piarco International Airport on June 17, 2004.

The 32.5 kilos of cocaine, which has an estimated local street value of $1.4 million was allegedly found in a hidden compartment of a suitcase.

PC Russell testified before Justice Larry Lalla that he and PC Nathan were on duty at the sterile holding bay when they observed Teuben standing at the departure tax booth.

Russell said as she approached them, he called her to the checkpoint, identified himself and told her he had been informed that she had a dangerous drug in her possession.

The officer said he cautioned Teuben and asked to see her travel documents. She gave him a Netherlands passport, a boarding pass, purchase receipt and a baggage claim stub, Russel said.

He added that Teuben accompanied him and PC Nathan to the BWIA baggage shed, where her luggage had been placed. He said she identified and opened her black suitcase and he examined the contents. After emptying the suitcase, Russell told the court, he found it to be of an unusual weight. He said he carved out the edges of the lining and found a hidden compartment in which he found 32 packets containing the illegal narcotic.

Russell said he arrested Teuben, took her and the suitcase to the OCNU office and contacted customs officer Andrew Johnson. He said he weighed the contents of the packets after reporting the incident to Johnson.

Teuben was taken to the Piarco police station where she was charged. Her counsel is attorney Mario Merritt, while attorneys Joy Balkaran and Shoba Jamunar are prosecuting. Hearing resumes today.