Verdict in drugs trial expected tomorrow

A jury hearing evidence in the trial of Owen Bonnici, 29 of Qormi heard today that it was normal for players to give Mr Bonnici bags or packets to hold for safekeeping behind the bar.

Mr Bonnici is accused of the possession of a kilo of cannabis that was not for his exclusive use. The drug was allegedly found in the bar at Qormi Football Club in 2004. Mr Bonnici, who was the barman, had told police that he had been asked by a man called Victor Magri to keep the packet for him. He did not know it contained drugs, as it was normal that he would be asked to keep things for people behind the bar. Mr Magri was killed some years ago in Ta'Qali.

Former player Silvio Bonnici told the trial this morning that he had known the accused for 13 years and used to leave his bags and wallet behind the bar.

Mr Silvio Bonnici said he also knew Mr Magri because he used to frequent the bar.

Mr Magri was familiar with the players, including Owen Bonnici, he said, adding that he only got to know about Mr Magri’s past in recent years.

“I used to warn Owen as a good friend to beware and not trust anyone.... I told him to be careful...,” he said.

Mr Silvio Bonnici said that Mr Magri and Owen Bonnici built the same kind of friendship he had built with Owen.

The former secretary of the Qormi Football Club committee, Daniel Bonnici, who is the accused’s brother, said that he never saw any drugs at the club. Had that been the case, he would have taken action.

When the police contacted him, Mr Bonnici said that his brother had told him the truth - that he gave the police the drugs and explained what had happened.

Mr Daniel Bonnici said that he was a policeman between 1995 and 1999 and he had spoken to his brother about Mr Magri’s history but he did not know that it involved drugs.

The verdict is expected tomorrow.