The Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, (CANU) James Singh, has raised concern over what he considers to be a “disheartening situation” of persons being involved in large drug bust being granted bail by the Courts and then waiting long for their trials.
In an interview, Singh said while fingers are often pointed at CANU for weak prosecution in drug cases, he believes the justice system must also be examined.
“Here it is we are here, seizing the drugs, we have arrested you, put you before the Court only for you to be placed on bail. It is a bit disheartening at times,” the CANU head said.
Singh said while he is not criticizing the judiciary, he believes there should be a closer look into the handling of drug matters. He said officers of the agency go above and beyond to reign in persons involved in the narcotics trade, but their work could be seen as undermined when those persons are granted bail easily.
“What is a bit disturbing is the fact that of the timing the cases are being taken to be prosecuted, while I do not want to criticize the judiciary, I guess there is a backlog, but it doesn’t help when you arrest someone today and there are being placed on bail and their case is not being called until 4- 5 months after,” Mr. Singh said.
He also complained about the long wait for trials, which in many instances results in the same suspects being involved in other drug related matters.
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