The prosecution and defence are expected to present their closing arguments before the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Friday in the trial involving a Vincentian woman charged in connection with 1,235 grammes of liquid cocaine found in three cans bearing the labels of three products manufactured by St. Vincent Brewery Ltd.
The Vincentian woman, 23-year old Lisa Hooper of Campden Park, is charged jointly with 22-year old Nathan Smith of England.
Smith pleaded guitly before the Serious Offences Court last month to charges that on July 24, 2013, at the E.T. Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale he attempted to export 1,235 grammes of cocaine; that on July 24, 2013, at E.T. Joshua Airport had in his possession 1,235 grammes of cocaine with intent to supply with another; that between July 1 and July 24, 2013, at Prospect did agree with Lisa Hooper of Campden Park, and others, that a course of conduct shall be pursued which, if the agreement was carried out in accordance with their intentions, will necessarily amount to, or involve the commission of the offence of trafficking of a controlled drug to wit 1,235 grammes of cocaine. He was given sentences amounting to a prison term of two years. He was sentenced to two years for possession of the drug with intent to supply, and one year each on the attempted trafficking and exportation charges. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Hooper’s trial began on March 18 and was adjourned to yesterday, March 25.
During the hearing on Tuesday, prosecution witness police constable 272 John of the narcotics division gave evidence. After the prosecution closed its case, Hooper declined to give evidence but was cross-examined by the prosecutor on her statement to the police. The defence said they would rely on her caution statement.
Senior Magistrate Raechanne Browne-Matthias is presiding over the trial.
The prosecution is being led by senior prosecutor in the Director of Public Prosecutions office Adolphus Delpesche.
Lawyer Jomo Sanga Thomas is representing Hooper.