DNA found at crime scene matches that of the accused

British DNA expert James Walker confirmed to a court that DNA found on cigarette stubs matched that of Albert Tanti, a 66-year-old Maltese-Canadian accused of drug possession.

Taking the witness stand in the compilation of evidence against Tanti, the expert explained that the chances of a DNA match off a cigarette stub was one in two million. However the stubs found at the crime scene matched the DNA of the accused.

Tanti stands charged with drug possession and trafficking after the police found 60 cannabis plants in a garage on 1 May 2007. Another accomplice, Steve Micallef, 43 of Zebbug, is undergoing separate proceedings. Both Tanti and Micallef are expected to face a trial by jury later this year.

Prosecuting inspectors Chris Pullicino and Ramon Cassar, told the court how during a drug trafficking investigation, officers raided Tanti's residence in Msida. The police found drug paraphernalia in the house which led them to carry another raid in a garage in Zebbug.

In the garage, situated close to the Mikiel Anton Vassalli monument, the police found 60 cannabis plants. The garage was set up to mimic the conditions of a greenhouse, in order for the plants to have the necessary conditions. The plants had reached the height of over one metre and experts concluded the operation had been ongoing more for over two months.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono appeared for the accused. Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera is presiding.