Value of cocaine in Cutmore’s case yet to be determined

By CLARISSA MOI
AUSTRALIAN pilot David John Cutmore accused of transporting Papua New Guinea’s largest haul of cocaine two years ago will return to court today.
National Court Judge Theresa Berrigan presiding at Waigani yesterday adjourned the matter because Cutmore’s lawyer Friedrich Kirriwom, of the Office of the Public Solicitor, was not in court.
State had presented Cutmore’s charge to the court on Monday.
However, Judge Berrigan asked the State to verify the monetary value of the cocaine that was allegedly transported.
“What is the value of the cocaine?
“Do you have anyone to assist the court?” she asked.
Kirriwom said outside court on Monday that the judge was concerned about the criminal conduct.
“Whether it was the receiving of the cocaine or the conspiracy with somebody in Australia to import that cocaine.
“Are they (State) charging Cutmore on the receiving of cocaine or the importation of cocaine?
“Just by receiving cocaine here, he has committed a criminal act,” Kirriwom said.
However, it was up to the State to decide whether it goes on to the conspiracy with someone in Australia and the importation of cocaine.
In May, a committal court had found evidence and committed Cutmore to trial for allegedly bringing A$75,000 (about K189,000) in cash on the plane as commission for the three locals who allegedly helped to transport the cocaine.