Nov 07 - Two People On Trial For Possession With Intent To Supply Cocaine
A man who claims he has been framed by the police has gone on trial at the Supreme Court today.
Andrew Ferrell and his co-defendant Ylenia Gomez face one count of possession and one count of possession with intent to supply 7.02g of cocaine.
It is alleged that an unmarked police car followed Ferrell’s silver Mercedes-Benz and officers approached the defendant after suspecting an illicit drug deal was going to be carried out at the bus stop outside Referendum House.
Officers approached the car and saw two women in the back of the car, including Gomez, and it is alleged the police found some pills and cannabis.
Ricky Rhoda QC, who appears for the prosecution, said the co-defendants were taken to New Mole House police station for questioning and the car was locked in the presence of Ferrell until sniffer dogs arrived.
A manual search was carried out and officers allegedly found 10 individual wrapped packets of a white substance that was later tested and confirmed to be cocaine in the pouch behind the driver's seat. There was also £100 in cash and two mobile phones found in the car, as well as money found in Ferrell's pocket.
The drugs, with a street value of around £420, were seized and sealed, and DNA tests were carried out on the two co-defendants.
In his police interview Ferrell claimed he was stitched and framed by the police, and he and Gomez were released on bail.
Mr Rhoda is being assisted by Mark Zammitt, while John Restano QC and Darren Martinez appear for Gomez and Leigh Debono appears for Ferrell.
The trial continues tomorrow.
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