UK expert on DNA gives evidence in drug case
A British expert on DNA, brought over to Malta specially to give evidence related to a drug find in a Zebbug garage back in May 2007, said that the saliva found on the cigarette butts found at the scene of the crime match with the saliva of the accused
A British expert on DNA, brought over to Malta specially to give evidence related to a drug find in a Zebbug garage back in May 2007, said that the saliva found on the cigarette butts found at the scene of the crime match with the saliva of the accused
The police had discovered 60 cannabis plants being cultivated.
Two men satnd accused of cultivating the drug with the intention of trafficing the drugs.
Dr James Walker, who conducted an analysis on the cigarette filters, said that his tests showed that the saliva on the butts matched with Albert Tanti, a 66-year-old Maltese-Canadian who resides in Msida and Steve Micallef, 43 of Zebbug.
Both the accused are to face a jury on the drug find.
The information was given during the compilation of evidence of Steve Micallef in front of Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera.
The case of Tanti is being heard separately as not to jeopardise court proceedings since the case is related.
Criminal Investigation Police, led by Inspector Chris Pullicino and Ramon Cassar had conducted an investigation related to drug abuse and the trafficking of drugs.
They had gone to the residence of the Maltese-Canadian man in Msida and after searching the residence lifted drug-related items and some drugs.
Further investigations led them to a Zebbug garage, which stands close to the monument of Mikiel Anton Vassalli.
The owner of the garage was ordered to open up the garage where a number of cannabis plants were found being cultivated, a total of 60 plants.
The plants were elevated and taken to the police forensic laboratory for further tests. The cigarette butts were lifted from the scene of the crime.
http://www.independent.com.mt 17/10/2013
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