FOUR defendants appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octave-Hamilton yesterday on a joint charge of conspiracy to traffic narcotics, following the January 12 pink suitcase drug bust at JFK Airport in the United States (U.S.). Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU)  Officer Moniram Persaud, of Lot 138 Third Street, Foulis (Enmore) East Coast Demerara; ex-immigration officer Shemika Tennant, of Lot 141 North Sophia, Georgetown; Roderick Peterkin, of Lot 183 Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara and ex-CANU  officer Maurice Smith (no address given) all pleaded not guilty.
Particulars of the offence said, last January 12, they conspired together with Dorothy Sears and persons unknown to export 24 kilogrammes 600 grammes of cocaine.
Defence Counsel Vic Puran, representing Persaud and Peterkin, submitted that there was no hindrance to granting them bail, as the duo cooperated fully with the Police and they were all allowed pre-trial freedom on individual $35,000 recognisances.
Defence Counsel Nigel Hughes, for Tennant and Smith, declared that the case represented a high level of perversity.
The lawyer said Tennant was ordered by her supervisor, at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, not to check the suitcase that allegedly contained the narcotic, because it belonged to a relative of his and contained cash.
Hughes said Smith, who was employed as a dog handler, was given similar instructions and he should not have been charged, either.
But someone in authority is responsible and that person has not been prosecuted and innocent persons now have to take responsibility, Hughes said, noting that Smith and Tennant were relieved of their duties on Monday.
Both lawyers persuaded the magistrate not to transfer the case, submitting that it requires handling by a strong Court and she put it off to June 29.