Danish expert identifies voice in cocaine case involving Pétur Jökull in Iceland

A Danish expert in voice and speech analysis has indicated that a voice heard on a recording presented as evidence in a major cocaine case in Iceland likely belongs to Pétur Jökull Jónasson. The witness testimonies in the case have concluded, with the trial set to start on Friday.

Pétur Jökull is charged with participating in the smuggling of nearly 100 kilograms of cocaine into the country, marking one of the largest drug cases in Iceland’s history. During today’s court proceedings, the Danish expert provided her assessment of a recording played during the trial, which features Daði Björnsson, who has previously been convicted in the same case, conversing with an individual believed to be Pétur.

The expert stated that it is highly probable that the voice on the recording belongs to Pétur Jökull, who had also been provided with other samples of his speech for comparison. She noted, “There was nothing in the material that led me to believe these were different individuals.” Common characteristics observed in all recordings included a low tone and soft volume of speech, accompanied by a slight hoarseness and mumbling.

The recording took place on August 4, 2022, the same day that several individuals, including Daði and others, were arrested. It features a conversation concerning the logistics of handling the drugs.

Regarding linguistic nuances, the expert mentioned that while she did not speak Icelandic, it did not hinder her ability to analyze the recordings scientifically, highlighting that vocal characteristics can still be distinguished across different languages. The trial will continue with the outset of arguments on Friday.