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Customs officer to face trial for allegedly interfering with evidence

Mr Jamal Forde is accused of removing evidence in relation to the May 18 drug bust operation at Baughers Bay (as photo depicts) where a vessel was intercepted and four individuals were arrested for a number of offences including smuggling and importation of drugs. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Customs Officer Jamal Forde, 26, learned yesterday October 16, 2012 at the Magistrate’s Court that his case will be heading to trial in November.

Forde is charged with allegedly removing evidence from the Road Town Police Station.

In court yesterday, Crown Counsel Leslie-Ann Faulkner said the defendant’s interview transcript was outstanding in addition to the investigating officer’s statement. Ms Faulkner noted that she will forward to Forde’s attorney and informed the court that a trial date could be set.

Magistrate Tamia Richards then set November 28, 2012 as the date for trial.

The evidence in question was in relation to a May 18 drug bust operation at Baughers Bay where a vessel was intercepted and four individuals were arrested for a number of offences including the alleged smuggling and importation of drugs.

The men arrested were Khoy Frett, Wilbert Donovan, Gavin Richards and Suruj Persaud.

On May 21, 2012 the men pleaded not guilty to being concerned with the supply of a controlled drug [2.52 kilo grams of cannabis]; importation of a controlled drug, smuggling [drug]; unlawful possession of cannabis; being engaged with smuggling; and failing to declare. The street value of the drugs is $25,200.00.

During their first court appearance, Frett, the owner of Khoy's Courier Service was granted $50,000.00 bail with $25,000.00 signed surety and $25,000.00 cash; Donovan - $40,000.00 signed surety; and Persaud - $40,000.00 signed surety.

8 Responses to “Customs officer to face trial for allegedly interfering with evidence”

  • Release (17/10/2012, 07:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Really, lawd ah mussy deeds customs officers again? now tell me he did not know that he was removing documents????
  • school children (17/10/2012, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we heard that the mail man was given a contract to build a wall in baugher's bay to cover lawyer fees
  • Release (17/10/2012, 11:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Because the government knows they will lose the case they now finding an alibi this is no way to run a legal system.
  • Tola ghal (17/10/2012, 12:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So you not gonna say where he is from vino or show a lil picture of him....hmmm
    • ooooo (17/10/2012, 12:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      he's malon's brother thats the big secret
      • fat head (17/10/2012, 16:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        What is the big hoopla about he is not the first politican family that got in trouble....
  • insider (17/10/2012, 19:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well well well that’s what happens when there is no fairness in the public sector some people become a victim of war...


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