Defence Attorney for defendant Prasad Suresh, who imported explosive chemicals allegedly without the required paperwork, was still arguing in Summary Court last Friday (17) that Suresh’s importation was not explosives as defined under the law.

Nicholas Dixey said his client’s shipment was worth over a half million dollars and was deteriorating fast. If the case was not finalised quickly the financial punishment could have serious consequences, not just for Mr. Suresh and the company Midland Acres Ltd but also for the local economy.

He argued that even if his client was found guilty he faced a maximum fine of only $1000.

Candida James, for the Crown said, however, that even if the materials were forfeited the Government’s National Roads Authority would use them for “the benefit of the community.”

Magistrate Valdis Foldats adjourned the proceedings to Wednesday (22) on the assumption that the Crown will have its expert report on whether the explosive materials are actually explosives on Tuesday.