Drugs trial enters final phase

The trial by jury of Anthony Seychell, 45, of Żejtun, who is charged with cultivating cannabis and with possession of the drug, entered its final phase yesterday with the closing arguments by the defence and the prosecution.

Prosecuting lawyer Nadine Sant reminded the jurors how the police had found over 100 cannabis plants at Mr Seychell's residence. She described the house as a workshop.

In total, three-and-a-half kilos of cannabis leaves were confiscated from the house in Żejtun. Taking the witness stand on Monday, Mr Seychell claimed he used the drug purely for its medicinal qualities as he suffered from severe back pain.

Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono, presiding over the case, is expected to conclude the summing up tomorrow when the jurors will retire to deliberate on the verdict.