Drug trafficking: 12 kilos of marijuana seized, he says, was just trash

Policemen in Ljubljana have uncovered a hidden room containing over 800 cannabis plants and approximately 20 kilograms of dried cannabis, according to court documents filed this week. The accused, a 47-year-old man, has admitted to stealing electricity to power the space but denies allegations related to the production and sale of cannabis. He claims around 12 kilograms of seized cannabis plant material was merely “waste.” The discovery took place in Ig, a town near Ljubljana, where police searched a property following an investigation into illegal drug cultivation. Inside the premises, officers found a specially modified area designed for growing cannabis. The accused reportedly used stolen electrical energy to sustain the operation, which has led to additional charges against him beyond drug-related offenses. According to the court filings, the man has acknowledged using electricity illegally to run the facility. However, he disputes the prosecution’s claim that he produced and sold cannabis. His defense argues that some of the seized cannabis was not intended for sale. Specifically, he asserts that roughly 12 kilograms of processed cannabis material was considered waste rather than product meant for distribution. The defense plans to present evidence suggesting that part of the seized cannabis was not suitable for commercial purposes. They aim to demonstrate that the substance had little value and could not have been sold legally or illicitly. This argument challenges the assumption that all seized cannabis was part of an active trafficking network. Prosecutors, however, oppose the defendant's request for expert witnesses specializing in drugs and botany to testify in his favor. They argue that such testimony would not significantly impact the case and could delay proceedings unnecessarily. The prosecution maintains that the presence of large quantities of cannabis alone is sufficient to establish criminal liability. In addition to the drug charges, the accused faces accusations of theft related to the unauthorized use of electricity. The court has been informed that Elektra Ljubljana, the local utility company, seeks compensation for damages amounting to €25,000. The man is alleged to have caused financial harm through his illegal consumption of electrical resources. The prosecution is requesting a substantial penalty for the admitted electricity theft, though the exact amount has not yet been specified. They emphasize that even if the defendant did not intend to sell all the cannabis, the act of cultivating it in violation of laws remains a serious offense. The case highlights the complexity of distinguishing between personal use, waste, and commercial intent in drug-related crimes. It also underscores the legal implications of electricity theft, particularly when it supports illegal activities. As the trial progresses, further details regarding the defendant’s role and the extent of the operation may emerge. The court hearing will determine whether the accused’s claims about the nature of the seized cannabis hold weight. If accepted, it could influence the severity of the penalties imposed. Meanwhile, the broader issue of how courts assess the intent behind drug cultivation continues to be a point of contention in similar cases across the region. The accused is scheduled to appear before the court again next month, where more evidence will be presented. Until then, the case remains under review, with both sides preparing their arguments for the upcoming session.