Woman, 72, on trial for cocaine

Lilly Layne is before Justice Malcolm Holdip in the Port-of-Spain Second Criminal Court charged with being in possession of the drug on March 30, 2002 at Arima.

State attorneys Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo and Tricia Hudlin are prosecuting, while Nathaniel King represents Layne.

The first witness to give evidence was Cpl Ramrattan Jugmohan who is now attached to the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.

Jugmohan told the mixed jury that in March 2002 he saw the accused on several occasions dressed in a long white gown. He saw several persons visiting the accused at her home. Jugmohan said he was about 50 feet away when he observed these things.

On March 30, 2002, he swore and obtained a warrant to search Layne’s premises for dangerous drugs. Around 2.20 p.m that day, Jugmohan said he accompanied other police officers to Temple Street. On arrival, he met Layne and showed her the warrant. Jugmohan began searching the house.

In a bedroom, Jugmohan said he found a clear plastic bag on a shelf behind the television set. He examined the contents in the presence of the accused. It contained a large cream solid, and a small glass bottle with a black cover containing a quantity of creamy solids.

Jugmohan told Layne he was of the opinion that it was cocaine, but the accused made no reply. He then informed the accused that she was under arrest.

At the police station, Jugmohan weighed the cocaine and found it amounted to 21 grammes. He later took the cocaine to the Forensic Science Centre for analysis. Hearing resumes this morning.