Six Charged with Armed Forces Cannabis Theft to Stand Trial Under Bill Of Indictment
The six individuals accused of stealing 132 kg of cannabis resin from a container under the custody of the Armed Forces have been placed under a bill of indictment.
This means they will stand trial before a higher court, Magistrate Elaine Rizzo ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
The accused are Sean Attard (30) from Żebbuġ, Yousef Essesi (33) from St Paul’s Bay, Carlos Pace (23) and Cleaven Pace (19), both from Marsa, Liam Stewart (23) from Tal-Pietà, and Christa Gauci (21) from Sannat, Gozo.
During the compilation of evidence, the Drug Squad Police testified that upon Liam Stewart’s arrest, he was found in possession of two sachets of cocaine and two iron fists (brass knuckles) concealed in his car door.
The Defence Counsel requested bail, arguing that all civilian witnesses had already testified. However, the Prosecution objected, stating that the stolen drugs had not yet been recovered and that the accused should remain in custody.
Defence lawyer Franco Debono criticised the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) for the missing drugs, stating in court: “Ask the AFM; we can no longer expect answers from the small fry while AFM soldiers do not answer.”
In response, Magistrate Rizzo reminded the defence that soldiers have the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. She further stated that investigations were ongoing and that further arrests could not be ruled out.
Magistrate Rizzo denied Liam Stewart’s bail request, citing the substantial quantity of missing drugs. She informed the court that a decision on the other five accused would be delivered in the coming days.
Christa Gauci, Cleaven Pace & Carlos Pace will be represented by Dr Franco Debono, Dr Marion Camilleri & Dr Adreana Zammit, Liam Stewart by Dr Franco Debono & Dr Adreana Zammit, Sean Attard by Dr Franco Debono & Dr Matthew Xuereb and Yousef Essesi by Dr Amadeus Cachia.
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