Lawyer questions use of local forensic Lab
Even though Edwin Caine pleaded not guilty to drug possession, he may still have to wait months before the substance in question can be tested, although there is now a drug testing facility here.{{more}}
Lawyer Grant Connell raised the concern at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, after Caine, 34, of South Rivers, pleaded not guilty to possession of 2,930 grams of cannabis on April 24, 2009 at Owia.
Connell said that forensic lab, as far as he understands, was just handed over, but not in operation as yet. âI thought since we have a lab here, our drugs would be tested speedily. I guess itâs just a prima facie lab,â he stated.
Chief Magistrate Sonya Young in her response said that she does not read the newspapers, so she did not know that there was a drug testing facility here. âI donât really read the papers, I was not informed by anyone we had a lab and I wish someone had told me we had a lab here,â she stated.
Caine was however granted $3,000 bail with one surety and returns for his case on August 30, 2009.
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