The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Court Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE OFFICER testified in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday in a man’s drug trial for possession of $44,000 worth of Indian Hemp.

Sergeant Kevin Ellis, of mobile division, gave testimony before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney in 35-year-old Nicholas Johnson’s trial for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On January 31, Johnson was arrested at his residence at Leslie Estates on Yamacraw Hill Road when officers found 44lbs of Indian Hemp with an estimated street value of $44,000.

Sgt Ellis said on the day of the incident he, along with other officers armed with a warrant, searched the home of the accused for suspected drugs or firearms. The officer indicated that as he entered the residence his body cam was turned on and that they found the drugs in a cupboard in the kitchen.

The suspected drugs were reportedly contained in four green and four beige sacks stacked on top of each other in the cupboard with the letter’s ES on the packaging.

After the discovery of the grassy-like substance - later positively identified as Indian hemp - Johnson was arrested, cautioned and booked in connection with the offence.

The drugs found in Johnson’s home were confiscated by the DEU and presented in court as evidence after Sgt Ellis’s testimony.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Inspector Timothy Bain moved to have the body cam footage eventually entered into evidence to which Johnson’s attorney Demeko Rolle protested.

Mr Rolle then pointed out to Sgt Ellis that his client had willingly indicated to the police where the drugs were. The sergeant only reiterated that Johnson had shown officers the drugs’ location.

This led to Rolle putting it to Sgt Ellis that his client had never said the drugs belonged to him.

Johnson’s next trial date is set for August 18.