–by Kimberly Giddings

Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman today ruled several questions from the defence irrelevant, as the cross-examination of Head of Special Branch, Senior Police Superintendent Prem Narine, approached 20 hours in the Mohamed extradition proceedings.

Much of today’s questioning centred on the police operation that led to the October 31, 2025, arrests of Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.

Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie objected to several questions from defence attorney Siand Dhurjon, with Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman subsequently ruling them irrelevant.

Among them were questions about whether a heavily tinted silver vehicle had monitored Azruddin Mohamed’s movements and whether Special Branch ranks had been positioned at various locations while searching for him.

Dhurjon also questioned Narine about the number of police vehicles and armed officers involved in the operation, and whether excessive force was used during Azruddin’s arrest.

The defence further questioned Narine about previous heads of Special Branch and whether they had ever carried out arrests connected to extradition proceedings.

The length and scope of the cross-examination also came under scrutiny.

Prosecutor Terrence Williams told the court that approximately 20 hours had already been spent questioning Narine and pressed Dhurjon on when he intended to conclude.

Williams also raised concerns about the relevance of portions of the questioning, noting that other prosecution witnesses remain to be called.

Chief Magistrate Latchman cautioned Dhurjon to monitor the scope of his cross-examination.

Narine has been giving evidence since September 3 in relation to the arrests of Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.

The two are wanted in the United States to face charges stemming from an alleged multimillion-dollar gold export, tax-evasion and money-laundering scheme.

Dhurjon is expected to resume and conclude his cross-examination on Tuesday.