PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC):
A SURINAME court has sentenced businessman Pritam Hira to a 15-year jail term for cocaine trafficking and law enforcement authorities said they also intended to strip him of possessions gained through the illegal trade.
Justice Krisnapersad Pultoo imposed a US$7,000 fine on Hira, as the prosecution sought an 18-year prison term against the lumber dealer.
The court also ruled that the public prosecutor could launch a criminal financial investigation against him, that if successful could strip him of all his possessions acquired with drug money.
RINGLEADER
Hira was charged with importing huge quantities of cocaine into Suriname and the authorities described him as the ringleader.
In November 2003, police and army troops confiscated 341 kilogrammes of cocaine, two small airplanes, aviation fuel, weapons and ammuni-tion after the drugs were dropped in the Awarra Savanna in Nickerie, 300 kilometres south of the capital, Paramaribo.
HIRA FLEES
Several persons were arrested, but Hira fled the country before police nabbed him last August when he sneaked back into Suriname.
The court was told that the group had organised at least five cocaine drops before the members were arrested.
"I don't have anything to with drugs. I am not the one you have to arrest," Hira said as he was led out of the building.
The 10 other suspects were jailed for periods ranging from two to 10 years.
But the court freed an un-named Argentine national for lack of evidence.
