As extradition proceedings against former policeman, Shawn Neblett, who is wanted by the United States for drug trafficking winds down, he is expected to take the stand to lead a defence. Neblett is wanted by the US for his role in trafficking 4.178kg of cocaine which was found in four parcels inside his suitcase while he was an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
Recently, Senior State Counsel Stacy Goodings closed the prosecution’s case. Neblett’s lawyer then made a no-case submission. But it was overruled by presiding Magistrate Faith McGusty, who held that a prima facie case had been made out against Neblett.
Shawn Neblett
Neblett, of Community Lane, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was nabbed by local police officials in 2019 as he was attempting to flee to neighbouring Suriname. He had told the court that he was travelling legally to Suriname and had no knowledge that he was blacklisted until he was nabbed by immigration authorities when he denied trying to flee the country.
The recent successful extradition of US fugitive Troy Thomas has paved the way for similar procedures for criminals hiding in Guyana. Thomas had fled to Guyana after allegedly killing Keith Frank, 20, a Guyanese, on December 11, 2011, at Richmond Hill, New York. He has also been accused of inflicting injuries upon Dr Katherine Maloney.
After a year of legal proceedings, High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh ruled on April 4, 2019, that there was sufficient evidence against Thomas to warrant his extradition to the US. After being taken back to the US, Thomas was charged with second-degree murder.
