Opinion ID: 410290
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Foundation for Expert Testimony

Text: 9 The trial court properly admitted testimony by a D.E.A. agent regarding the street value and purity of the cocaine. The trial judge has broad discretion in admitting or excluding expert testimony, and his action is to be sustained unless manifestly erroneous. United States v. Johnson, 575 F.2d 1347, 1360 (5th Cir. 1978), cert. denied, 440 U.S. 907, 99 S.Ct. 1214, 59 L.Ed.2d 454 (1979). In view of the agent's experience as an undercover agent, the failure to qualify him could not have been prejudicial. United States v. Beaver, 524 F.2d 963 (5th Cir. 1975), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 905, 96 S.Ct. 1498, 47 L.Ed.2d 756 (1976). 10 Evidence of quality and quantity of the drugs is relevant to an inference of intent to distribute. United States v. Polite, 489 F.2d 679 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 419 U.S. 854, 95 S.Ct. 99, 42 L.Ed.2d 87 (1974). Intent to distribute was an element of both counts with which defendant was charged, notwithstanding Costa's assertions to the contrary.