Falklands : Cocaine Evidence Stolen from Double-locked Police Cell at Stanley Police Station
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 26.11.2008 (Article Archived on 10.12.2008)
Government House has reported that the 29 packets of cocaine seized by Falkland Islands authorities from the fishing vessel Ventura on 30 October 2008 that were secured as evidence in a double- locked police cell at Stanley Police Station pending the court hearing have been tampered with and 23 of the packets were missing.
Cocaine Evidence Stolen from Double-locked Police Cell at Stanley Police Station
By J. Brock (FINN)
Government House has reported that the 29 packets of cocaine seized by Falkland Islands authorities from the fishing vessel Ventura on 30 October 2008 that were secured as evidence in a double- locked police cell at Stanley Police Station pending the court hearing have been tampered with and 23 of the packets were missing. A search of the premises found evidence of one discarded bag and packaging from some of the missing packets.
The Governor has asked Provost Marshall of the Joint Service Police and Security Unit (JSPSU) at Mount Pleasant Complex to carry out an investigation into the loss. This is now underway.
A full enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident will be convened soon.
The 29 packets of cocaine weighing over 30 kilograms were seized from the fishing vessel Ventura while it was moored just outside Stanley Harbour. Two Spanish Citizens, Jesus Caraballo Martinez and Rogelio Curras Pastoriza were arrested and charged with importing a quantity of cocaine without having a licence to do so issued by the Chief Medical Officer, an offence contrary to section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Ordinance 1987. Sr. Carbullo has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the offence. Sr. Curras has pleaded not guilty. Both men are due to appear in Court for a further hearing on 26 November.
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