Doloquee
- US$100M Cocaine Case Verdict Today: The verdict for the high-profile US$100M cocaine case will be delivered today.
- Prosecution vs. Defense: Both sides presented their closing arguments, highlighting crucial testimonies and evidence.
- Witnesses Reveal Negligence and Violations: Key witnesses implicated negligence by authorities and violations of regulations in relation to the alleged cocaine shipment.
Monrovia — The highly anticipated verdict for the US$100M cocaine case is set to be determined following the conclusive arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense counsels. Taking place at Criminal Court C, located in the Temple of Justice, the proceedings will commence at 8:00 am on Thursday, May 18, 2023, with a panel jury and the presiding judge overseeing the final stage of this significant legal battle.
The defendants are facing a range of serious charges, including unlicensed importation of controlled drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and criminal facilitation.
Over the course of three months, the jury diligently listened to testimonies presented by a total of seven general witnesses and five defense subpoena witnesses.
The government has indicted four individuals in connection with the cocaine shipment, subjecting them to a trial involving multiple charges such as criminal conspiracy, money laundering, unlicensed possession of controlled drugs, and unlicensed importation of controlled drugs.
After hearing the closing arguments from both the defense lawyers and the prosecution, the jury will render their decision, culminating in this significant legal process.
The prosecution will center its argument around the compelling testimonies of Samuel Nimely, the general manager of THR, who is considered a crucial whistleblower in this case.
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Samuel Nimely’s testimony holds significant weight for the prosecution, as it alleges that the defendants proposed a payment of US$200K for a container of pig feet, which typically costs around US$21K. This testimony serves as a focal point for the prosecution’s case.
To support their claims, the prosecution intends to present mobile phone images depicting the parking location of the container in question. The container, alleged to have been shipped from Brazil to Liberia by the defendants, will be showcased as vital evidence in the proceedings
Samuel Nimely: “We were able to identify the narcotics as been grade A cocaine chemically tested. The cocaine was stocked in boxes labeled silver whiskey, the container having been identified and the suspects were arrested.”
During their closing arguments, the defense team is expected to emphasize two key rebuttal testimonies in support of their case.
One of their subpoena witnesses, James Hinneh, the president of the Customs Broker Association of Liberia, provided testimony accusing the National Port Authority (NPA) of failing to issue TRH Trading an import permit declaration necessary to clear the alleged cocaine container from the Free Port of Monrovia. Hinneh revealed that the container departed the port without undergoing a search, raising concerns.
Hinneh further highlighted that BAVIC (Bureau of Verifications, Inspections, and Compliance) did not grant TRH permission to clear the container, asserting that the container did not adhere to BAVIC regulations by lacking the necessary permit prior to clearance.
According to Hinneh, the purpose of the permit was to confirm the absence of dangerous substances within the container. He also testified that TRH Trading violated customs regulations by importing the US$100 million cocaine container into the country.
Another defense witness, Othello Gablah, the publisher of the New Dawn Newspaper, held TRH Trading accountable for the cocaine shipment with alleged assistance from the government. Gablah argued that criminals would exploit weak systems, citing the admission by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) that TRH had been granted certain privileges enabling them to clear their goods/consignments using invoices or bill landing instead of more stringent measures.
Gablah further mentioned that the Global Maritime Tracking Solution, which monitors shipments globally, recommended a physical inspection of the container containing the US$100 million in cocaine prior to its arrival. However, this suggestion was reportedly ignored.
A huge portion of this story was inspired by Front Page Africa.
