How do you destroy half a ton of cannabis (without getting the whole country high)?

The unprecedented 550kg haul would have been impossible to store the usual way because of physical space limitations

The unprecedented 550kg haul would have been impossible to store the usual way because of physical space limitations
The unprecedented 550kg haul would have been impossible to store the usual way because of physical space limitations

The police’s seizure of half a ton of cannabis, destined for the Maltese market, this week has caused an unexpected problem for the courts, not concerning the persons accused, but about what to do with the drugs themselves.

Normally, drugs exhibited as evidence during criminal proceedings are stored together with the rest of the evidence, in the court building. But, contacted by the MaltaToday, Director General of Courts Frankie Mercieca, said the unprecedented 550kg haul would have been impossible to store the usual way because of physical space limitations.

Instead, he said, the cannabis seized this week is being held under police guard at a separate, secure location.

The Director General said the drugs would not need to be physically exhibited in court. “At least I hope not,” he quipped.

That leaves the delicate issue of the drugs’ fate after court proceedings end.

Normally, when a court orders the destruction of seized drugs they are incinerated at a facility in Marsa. Asked whether this would also happen with the prodigious haul, Mercieca said it was likely, unless alternatives are found.

But any expectations of the Maltese Islands being enveloped in a haze of free bambalacha emanating from the Marsa area were quickly dashed. “There will be precautions to avoid the smoke propagating,” he said.