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Expert confirmed khat, but defective search and broken chain of custody led to acquittal.
Criminal law – Drug trafficking – Identification of narcotics by Government Chemist – Analyst report prima facie conclusive; Search and seizure – seizure certificate requirements and presence of (preferably independent) witness; Evidence – chain of custody – continuity and integrity of exhibits from seizure to laboratory; Prosecutorial duty – calling material witnesses and explaining custody/transportation of exhibits; Failure to prove beyond reasonable doubt – acquittal and disposal/destruction of exhibits.
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