THE remaining two of four men accused of working a $5 million cannabis plantation at Crowther last year have reappeared in Young Local Court.
Marcello Nello Casella and Andre Sebastian Turner - who are facing charges of participating in a criminal group and cultivating not less than the commercial quantity of cannabis - appeared before magistrate Peter Dare on October 6.
The men opted in June to go to trial to cross-examine witnesses.
But Mr Dare refused their application on September 4 and the pair may appeal the decision.
The matters have been adjourned to Young Local Court on December 8.
The men’s co-accused – Saverio Ciampa and Pasquale Sergi – are due to be sentenced in Young Local Court on November 3.
On February 12, 2014, police seized more than $5 million of cannabis from a plantation in Crowther, north of Young, when authorities across the state’s south launched raids on an alleged major drug supply syndicate.
In total, police arrested 12 people and seized $15 million in drugs, as well as guns and ammunition. – The Young Witness
