Accused acquitted in Douglas coke, hash bust
Judge says no clear link between Brandon Drew Hatchard, 36, of Hanwell, and drug house
A judge acquitted a Hanwell man Wednesday after ruling the prosecution failed to connect him to a Douglas drug den where a cache of cocaine and hash were found three years ago.
Brandon Drew Hatchard, 36, of Bromley Avenue in Hanwell, stood trial earlier this year on a count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and one of possession of hashish for the purpose of trafficking, an offence under the Cannabis Act.
Evidence at trial showed police were surveilling a well-known drug house at 15 Cedar Circle in Douglas in the early-morning hours of May 13, 2021, and were preparing to execute warrants at that location.
Officers spotted Hatchard in the doorway of the home and moved in, arresting him and his girlfriend.