Trial of pilot in $1.7 million trafficking case begins

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The pilot charged in connection with a $1.7 million cocaine bust at VC Bird International Airport in 2018 is currently on trial in the High Court.

The former chief pilot of Caribbean Helicopters Limited (CHL), Colin Murraine, was charged with possession, attempted exportation, intent to supply and drug trafficking of cocaine in February 2018.

Today, an officer with the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), who was a part of the major bust, was the first witness called to the stand.

The 13-year ONDCP veteran described in detail what occurred on the day in question.

He said that an aircraft was intercepted while preparing for takeoff and the occupants of the plane were two pilots, along with Murraine, who was a passenger on the trip and was dressed in his pilot’s uniform.

The officer explained that another officer had requested to search the aircraft and found four pieces of luggage in the cargo area.

He further testified that the men then identified their luggage as they were all being searched. Only Murraine’s two grey hardcover suitcases contained a number of brick-like packages wrapped with plastic wrap.

An incision made by an officer revealed a white powder-like substance, the officer’s evidence revealed.

Thirty-one-year-old Murraine and the others were detained by the ONDCP.

In the statement, the ONDCP said that the estimated wholesale street value for the 47.51kg (105lbs) of cocaine is EC$1.7 million.

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