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Closing arguments in ‘ice’ case
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Posted on Feb 24 2009
The prosecution and the defense held their closing arguments yesterday in the ongoing federal jury trial of a former garment worker who reportedly yielded the third largest haul so far of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “ice” in the CNMI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Benedetto argued that Song does not have a defense that can stand up in this case, citing statements of witnesses and defendant Yong Ming Song’s as well as other pieces of evidence.
“This case is not about whether you like the Drug Enforcement Administration; it is about whether there is proof beyond reasonable doubt,” Benedetto said.
The prosecutor pointed to a hollowed-out book, Western Union receipts of $10,000 sent to China in two days, and the use of an “ice” trafficker’s cell phone as evidence of Song’s knowing participation in “ice” trafficking.
Benedetto pointed out that 149 grams of “ice” worth between $60,000 to $75,000 were seized from Song’s vehicle.
Defense attorney Joey San Nicolas compared the U.S. government’s case to the famous cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants, saying the prosecution’s case “is full of holes.”
San Nicolas also cited statements of government witnesses that, according to him, contained inconsistencies.
The defense lawyer said that Sgt. Anthony Macaranas admitted in his testimony that Song was actually under surveillance and that the defendant’s car was tinted.
San Nicolas said Song consented to the search of his vehicle because he had nothing to hide.
When Saipan Tribune left the courtroom yesterday afternoon, San Nicolas was still conducting his closing arguments.
Song is facing a charge of possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school with intent to distribute.
After closing arguments, jury instructions usually follow, then the jurors deliberate.
