The Drugs Trial That Won't End Well

Court Legal Proceedings

Posted by AI on 2025-08-25 13:51:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-29 14:31:14

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Three Maltese men, Rio Micallef, David Tabone, and Darren James Vella, pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of drug trafficking. However, the prosecution believes they were involved in a conspiracy to traffic ecstasy pills over 16 years ago. Their trial began on Monday, but there may be a twist in this gripping drug case.

The prosecution alleges that the men had planned for one of the suspects to procure ecstasy pills, which his alleged partners would subsequently sell. The trio, who were friends at the time of the allegations, used to hang out at the same bar in Birkirkara, with one of them also running a snack bar in the area.

Officers from the drug squad monitored the suspects' movements before arresting them on September 2008. The trial of the three men had already been scheduled for September 2024, but was dissolved after a juror remained in the courtrooms public gallery during legal arguments. The defense strongly objected to the continuation of the trial, arguing that the whole panel was tainted.

Madam Justice Edwina Grima is presiding over the Criminal Court, with the jury selected and impanelled at noon. The defense teams made their final arguments on Tuesday, and the judge is expected to decide on the alleged fair trial breach by the end of this week, which may possibly lead to the dissolution of the jury.

These are the latest developments in what may be a thrilling and unexpected ending to this drug trial.

Go!