The accused was charged with trafficking opium, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime following an undercover police operation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence.
While the accused pleaded guilty to the direct trafficking counts, he disputed possession of 809.61 grams of opium and $1,475 in cash found in a basement bedroom.
The court found that the circumstantial evidence, including the accused's access to the house, his ongoing trafficking activities, and personal items in the bedroom, led to the only reasonable inference that he occupied the room and had a measure of control over the drugs.
The accused was found guilty of possession for the purpose of trafficking, but acquitted of the proceeds of crime charge regarding the $1,475 due to reasonable doubt.
