Three men to stand trial over drug possession

THREE men facing charges of being in possession of methamphetamine will stand trial by May 22 to 24, according to Committal Court Magistrate Albert Daniels.
Magistrate Daniels told Junior Tasion, 30, of Pak Island, Manus, Brandon Miria, 27, of Yule Island, Central, and Michael Taria that since they had pleaded not guilty to the charges, the court would proceed with the trial.
They are charged with being in possession of 2.33gram of methamphetamine.
“There will be a three-day trial in May,” Magistrate Daniels said.
“So you have to bring your witnesses.”
Public Solicitor’s Office lawyer Luke Siminji representing the trio, told the court the three days were convenient.
“We require a trial since my clients have all pleaded not guilty to their charges,” he said.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Joseph Sangam did not object to the trial dates.
“They are out on bail with no strict conditions so they can assist the court by bringing in their witnesses during the trial,” Sangam said.
Police alleged to have found suspicious white powder in a vehicle the trio were in on Feb 19, following a road accident they were reportedly involved in.