[Jamaica Gleaner] – The trial of Dino Bouterse, the son of Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse, who was arrested on drug related charges, terrorism and weapons trafficking allegations is due to begin in the United States on October 6.
Dino Bouterse was arrested in Panama on August 29 and whisked off to the US where he has been in custody since. According to the initial indictment, Bouterse had been charged with shipping 10 kilogrammes of cocaine from Suriname to Miami.
He was also charged with trafficking weapons and US prosecutors later added a terrorism charge.
If found guilty of the terrorism charge, the President’s son could face 15 years in prison, in addition to the mandatory minimum term of 40 years in jail if he is convicted on the weapons and illegal drugs charges.
Dino Bouterse’s troubles have come at an awkward time for the president, who is seeking a second term in the May 2015 elections.
