Four Members of Chambers Secure Acquittals in Complex Drug Trafficking Case

Rebecca Upton leading Fiona Clegg, and Mark Watson leading Fatima Jama, successfully defended the second and third of seven defendants on a complex drug trafficking case involving the importation and supply of cannabis at Portsmouth Crown Court.

It was alleged that the defendants were part of an organised crime group based in West Sussex that imported cannabis from Switzerland through courier services and fast parcels, subsequently selling it through online websites and to physical shops across the UK. The prosecution’s case relied on forensic analysis of the plant material showing THC concentrations above the 0.2% legal limit. The police, however, had not adhered to the testing procedures mandated by European Union regulations.

Following prolonged legal submissions, the court determined the test results were inadmissible pursuant to section 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As a result, after 9 weeks of proceedings, the prosecution offered no evidence before the close of their case, following legal submissions from the defence. The jury subsequently returned not guilty verdicts on all charges.

Rebecca and Fiona were instructed by Maria Haywood of Wannops LLP. Mark and Fatima were instructed by Toby Brothers of Toby Brothers Legal.