Bermuda — DNA evidence tied to a man accused of heroin possession was presented in court, revealing connections between the defendant and the drug. Forensic biologist Valerie Blackmore testified that of the 12 samples analyzed, two distinct genetic profiles emerged, which she labeled as Male A and Male B.
Defense attorney Marc Daniels acknowledged that David Osadebay, 38, matched Male A’s profile found on the drug capsules but challenged the origins of the DNA found. Blackmore explained that DNA is more likely to be transferred directly—meaning through physical contact—rather than through an indirect method involving intermediaries like hotel linens or personal items. However, she admitted uncertainty regarding when or how the DNA ended up on the capsules, stating, "What it does not do is say what happened in this particular situation."
Blackmore also indicated that she had not been provided with samples from hotel linens for testing, which could have potentially offered further insights. Osadebay is facing charges of possessing diamorphine, the scientific term for heroin, with intent to distribute it, a situation that arose on August 4, 2023.
The court had previously been informed that Osadebay, a British citizen, arrived on the island on July 31 and was arrested shortly thereafter. Authorities discovered heroin hidden within a safe in his hotel room. As proceedings continued, Detective Constable Assad Ackle detailed an ongoing investigation that led to a search at the Royal Palms hotel on the day of Osadebay’s arrest. The police had received a tip-off regarding a person named Joshua Webb suspected of entering the island on fraudulent documents.
Upon searching the suspect’s room, officers found a sanitary bag within the safe containing 11 plastic-wrapped pellets and additional identification includes a UK passport bearing the name Joshua Webb along with a British Airways boarding card. All items in the safe were linked to Webb, according to Ackle, who also noted the discovery of another pellet at the bottom of the safe.
Under cross-examination, Ackle confirmed that Osadebay identified himself during an interview as “David Osadebay” on August 7 and went on to clarify that he discovered the defendant’s stage name—“C Biz”—through online research. The court also heard from Detective Sergeant Seymour Foote, who oversaw the evidence collection in the hotel room and documented the findings with photographs, including items of clothing that were found nearby. Foote noted that lab results indicated the pellets contained varying levels of diamorphine, with one sample showing 9% purity and another at 11%.
While being questioned about the positioning of the seized items, Foote admitted that he did not place them on the bed himself, asserting that they were not under his control at that time.
The trial is ongoing, with further developments expected.
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