More than eight months after former prison officer Arnold Geovanny Cabrera Diaz was first arrested, and then subsequently charged with smuggling ganja into Northward Prison, he has still not entered any pleas.
Appearing before the Summary Court on Tuesday, 22 March, Amelia Fosuhene, who represents Cabrera Diaz, told the court there was outstanding “crucial information” which she would need before she could advise him how to plea.
“On the previous occasion the court and the prosecution were made aware of the very sensitive and crucial information that can only be provided by the RCIPS,” said Fosuhene.
Cabrera Diaz faces two counts of smuggling contraband, two counts of possession of ganja and two counts of possession of ganja with intent to supply. He also faces one count of breach of trust by a public officer and one count of giving a false address to a police officer, for a total of eight charges.
“This matter is from last year, so is it not possible to have him enter at least one plea?” asked Chief Magistrate Valdis Foldats, who is presiding over the matter.
“We simply cannot enter any pleas at this time because the information is key to how my client will plea, and I need to be in the same place as the RCIPS.” said Fosuhene, who requested that the matter be put back for two weeks.
Cabrera Diaz was released on bail and is expected to return to court on 5 April. He is one of two prison officers who last year were charged with smuggling ganja into HMP Northward.
Rudolph Rambaran, who last month pled guilty to smuggling packages of ganja into the prison, is awaiting sentencing after his 7 March court date was postponed.
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