MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands: jailed Spaniard accused of destroying drug haul

SPANISH citizen Rogelio Curras Pastoriza has been charged with an offence in relation to the loss of drugs from the police cell at Stanley Police Station in the Falkland Islands.

The charge followed enquiries by the Provost Marshall of the Joint Service Police and Security Unit (JSPSU) at Mount Pleasant Complex, the Royal Air Force base in the Falklands. Spokesperson, Government House First Secretary Paul Martinez said, "We can confirm that the Provost Marshall is not looking for anyone else in respect of this investigation. Twenty nine packets of cocaine weighing over 30 kilograms were seized from the Spanish fishing vessel Venturawhile it was moored just outside Stanley Harbour. The vessel was later released and sailed back to Vigo. On November 25 a check of the cell revealed that 23 of the packets were missing. A search of the premises found evidence of one discarded bag and packaging from some of the missing packets. Two Spanish Citizens, Jesus Caraballo Martinez and Rogelio Curras Pastoriza were arrested and charged with importing a quantity of cocaine without having a licence to do so, issued by the Chief Medical Officer, an offence contrary to section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Ordinance 1987. Sr. Carballo has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the offence. Sr. Curras has pleaded not guilty. Both men are due to appear in Court for a further hearing on 3 December. Falkland Islands Government Chief Executive Tim Thorogood commented, "I have initiated a disciplinary investigation in to the conduct of Paul Elliot, Chief Police Officer, following the recent incident involving the missing Cocaine seizure at the Police Station. "The investigation is an internal Falkland Islands Government process under Section 5 of Chapter 4 of the Management Code. It will be led by Alison Thompson, recently the Senior Magistrate on the Islands, who will be arriving at the end of the week." He said the purpose of the investigation was to ascertain the facts and to establish whether or not there were grounds for any formal disciplinary charges. Thorogood said, "Once the investigation is completed Ms Thompson will provide me with a report from which I can determine whether further action of a disciplinary nature is required. I hope to have this report before Christmas. "There are no grounds for suspending Mr. Elliot who remains at work and in full command of the Police." By Lisa Johnston – SeAledPR - Stanley