Det. Duffus

Yolanda Meecham was charged with seven counts, including possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking and possession of ammunition in violation of s. 109 prohibition orders.

The trial focused on whether she had constructive or joint possession of the drugs and ammunition found in her residence, which was also used by Thiago Machado, an admitted drug dealer.

The court found Meecham's explanations for her knowledge and involvement not credible, particularly regarding a large sum of cash and incriminating intercepted phone calls.

She was found guilty on the four drug trafficking counts, as her direct involvement in arranging drug deals and her knowledge of Machado's activities were proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, she was acquitted on the three ammunition counts due to insufficient evidence proving her knowledge of the ammunition beyond a reasonable doubt.

The accused was arrested with 21.91 grams of heroin and pleaded guilty to simple possession.

The trial proceeded on the issue of whether the possession was for the purpose of trafficking.

The accused admitted he intended to deliver some of the heroin to his girlfriend, which the court found met the statutory definition of trafficking.

Furthermore, relying on expert police evidence regarding heroin pricing and consumption, the court found the accused possessed the drugs for the purpose of trafficking for profit to support his own addiction.

The accused was found guilty of possession for the purpose of trafficking.