R vs Meriton (CO 29.2012) [2014] SCSC 19 (23 January 2014)

R vs Meriton (CO 29.2012) [2014] SCSC 19 (23 January 2014)

The court found that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was in possession and control of the heroin found in his room, rejecting the defence's allegation of drugs being planted and finding the chain of custody unbroken.

Citation
[2014] SCSC 19
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Marcus Meriton
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Seychelles
Judgment Date
23 January 2014
Case Number
CO 29.2012
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
Conviction
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Possession of Controlled Substances, Evidentiary Chain of Custody, Presumption of Trafficking
Source Language
English
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Possession of Controlled Substances Evidentiary Chain of Custody Presumption of Trafficking

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Marcus Meriton

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused was in possession of a controlled drug for the purpose of trafficking
  2. 2 Whether the drugs were planted by law enforcement officers
  3. 3 Whether the chain of custody of the exhibits was established

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was in possession and control of the heroin found in his room, rejecting the defence's allegation of drugs being planted and finding the chain of custody unbroken.

Court Disposition

Conviction

Orders

  • The accused is found guilty as charged and convicted of trafficking in a controlled drug.