Expert confirms that 70kg Ghadira suspected drug haul was cannabis

Proceedings against two persons charged with drug smuggling, in connection with the interception of a boat ferrying 70kg of suspected cannabis to Ghadira Bay, a fortnight ago, have continued.

44-year-old Michael Aquilina and 22-year-old Italian Greta Grassi were arrested on 7 September after the cannabis resin was found on a boat entering Ghadira Bay late at night, after a joint operation by the police and the AFM. The accused are understood to have been caught 'red handed' with the drugs.

A court expert, who examined a haversack full of blocks that were bound with tape, took the witness stand today, telling Magistrate Neville Camilleri that the exhibits had tested positive for THC - the psychoactive ingredient that gives cannabis its effect.

Prosecuting police Inspector Justine Grech testified that she had been informed by her officers, that when Grassi was being patted down in the police lockup, more of what was suspected to be cannabis resin was found on her person. The inspector said she had then passed on the substance to the relevant expert.

Defence lawyers Gianluca Caruana Curran, Roberto Montalto and Kathleen Calleja Grima filed an application for bail, a decision which will be made in the next sitting, next week.

The court ordered the suspects to remain in custody until the next sitting, when all remaining prosecution witnesses are to testify.