Two British nationals, who were nabbed in a suspected international cocaine ring, were freed Monday of drug trafficking charges in the St. James Parish Court.
Shelby Byng, an employment advisor and Nenisha Nelson-Roberts, a student, were freed after their attorneys challenged the evidence presented against them.
Prosecutors had reported that on August 16, 2024, the two women were preparing to board a flight to the UK when they were stopped and searched.
Fourteen pounds of cocaine with a street value of more than $30 million was seized in their luggage concealed in coffee.
But at the trial, which commenced in January, Ms. Byng's attorneys Christopher Townsend and Danique Gooden argued that she had no knowledge of the cocaine. They contended that the luggage was contaminated by persons unknown to her.
The defence for Ms. Nelson-Roberts also argued that she had no knowledge of the illicit drug being placed in her suitcase.
The presiding judge agreed with the defence and ordered the release of the two women.
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