Two accused were tried on multiple counts arising from a lengthy police investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, cannabis resin, and MDMA.
The prosecution relied entirely on circumstantial evidence, including surveillance, search warrants, seized narcotics and cash from a suspected stash house, and evidence of the accused attending the location and interacting with suspected suppliers.
The court held that conviction for possession for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy required proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused had knowledge and control of the drugs found in a locked room of the stash house.
Although surveillance and other evidence raised suspicion, the court concluded that reasonable doubt remained regarding whether either accused had knowledge and control of the narcotics, particularly in light of testimony explaining the presence of keys and frequent attendance at the residence.
One accused was acquitted on all counts, while the other was acquitted of the major trafficking counts but convicted of a separate marijuana trafficking charge.
