Following the Crown’s partial disclosure of the evidence at the last hearing on June 13, Rahaman’s attorney, Dhaman Kissoon, had been reviewing the proof to plan a defence strategy.

When the case was called yesterday Kissoon requested more time to study the information he had received from the crown.

Rahaman, who has pleaded not guilty to the Federal charge, was detained on the morning of Wednesday May 21 at the Pearson Inter-national Airport, outside Toronto, where she had travelled from Guyana via an Air Transat flight.

Canadian custom authorities initially said they had discovered 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine in Rahaman’s luggage, with a reported street value of Cdn$1M.

A Canadian customs spokesman told Stabroek News that the prohibited substance was discovered in the false bottom and sides of Rahaman’s suitcase.

The official said that smaller amounts of the substance were also found in three jars of various cosmetics, during a secondary inspection by authorities.

Following the find, Rahaman was handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who formally laid the charges against her.

If convicted of the charges, Rahaman, as a first-time offender,

and in consideration of the amount with which she was allegedly found, could face a prison term of between 18 months to five years imprisonment.

She would be automatically deported upon completion of her prison term.

The hearing is to continue on September 5.