‘Coke’ accused want less bail

Four men and a woman charged with trafficking cocaine yesterday complained to Justice Herbert Volney about recent newspaper publications that may impact on their case. They also made an application to have their bail of $5 million each reduced. The five — Ronald Rackal, Jitram Sookdeo, Hafeez Mohammed, Ramesh Doon and the woman, Indaryatee Dwarik — were recently placed on $25 million bail in relation to another proceeding matter. They are unable to raise the bail and remain in custody. A fifth man, Andre Ravi Persad, who is charged with trafficking but is not party to the other matter, is on $100,000 bail.

Appearing for Rackal, attorney Ravi Rajcoomar complained to Justice Volney about the publications and asked that the matter be adjourned to November 17, during which time the defence will be able to assess their position with respect to the publications. Volney said that he was minded to adjourn the matter to next month having regard to the bigger picture. The six were represented by Rajcoomar, Prakash Ramadhar, Devan Rampersad, Wayne Sturge, Ian Ibrahim and Asaf Mohammed, while senior prosecutor Jeron Joseph and David West represented the State. Although Volney adjourned the matter to November 17, he suggested to the defence attorneys that they should make their bail application tomorrow, the regular day for bail application hearings.