“I Really Am Baffled”: Chief Magistrate Presses DPP Over Missing Drug Certificates

By Alric Lindsay

The Chief Magistrate has ordered the Crown to serve outstanding drug certificates by September 8, 2026, after hearing that they were still missing almost two months after charges were laid.

The matter concerns a man who faces charges of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and possession of utensils used in the preparation of a controlled drug.

Defence counsel, Stacy-Ann Kelly, told the court that the papers served had run several defendants together, and that material relating to a firearm, ammunition and packages of cocaine had nothing to do with his client.  In addition, no certificates were provided in relation to the charges her client actually faces.

Crown counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted that the drug analysis certificates had not been served, and said the timeline proposed would give the DPP the opportunity to secure them. Asked why they were outstanding when forensic results were already available, she told the court that some things take longer than others, but that she could not offer or justify a reason.

The Chief Magistrate was unimpressed. “Alright, we’re now in September. This is from the tenth of July,” she said. “I really am baffled.” She returned to the point moments later: “Why is it that they can get fingerprint and everything but I can’t get a drug certificate?”

DPP Crown Counsel responded: “I am not sure what transpired. [DPP] ruling counsel is not present… and it is not on the file… nothing has been done.”

The drug certificates were ordered by the Chief Magistrate to be served by September 8, and the matter was adjourned to September 22, the same date on which linked matters involving other defendants are due back before the court.