Court clears way for man`s indictment over drugs

The court yesterday decided there appeared to be enough evidence to indict Alvin Schembri, 26, of Gzira.

Schembri was charged with being in possession of heroin and with drug trafficking in February 2001 and before. He was also charged with breaching conditions imposed by the Magistrates` Court in March 1999.

Inspector Neil Harrison testified that the police had received a report that Schembri, known as il-mouse, was selling drugs from the Gzira house he was living in.

"As Scicluna`s name was not new to us, I decided to send some policemen to carry out surveillance and as no one turned up after about half an hour they decided to carry out a search," Insp. Harrison said.

PC Anthony Portelli said that, together with PS Joseph Tonna, he had been detailed by Insp. Harrison to carry out surveillance in front of Schembri`s house and to carry out searches for drugs.

He said that as no one turned up, they decided to carry out the search and when they knocked on the door Schembri`s grandfather spoke to them from a window asking them what they wanted.

"When we said we were policemen and wanted to carry out a search, he first asked if we had a warrant and when I gave it to him he said he could not read without glasses and went upstairs to fetch them.

"I realised he was taking too long and suspected this could be a delaying tactic, so I jumped into the house through the window, opened the door and rushed upstairs where I found the accused leaning out of the bathroom window.

"When I asked him what he was doing he said he had just thrown away some foil and a spoon," PC Portelli said.

He said a plastic bag containing five grams of heroin was found. A syringe containing heroin was found alongside several small pieces of foil with traces of heroin.

PC Portelli said Schembri was arrested and as they were about to leave the house a certain Charles Caruana, known as il-fish, knocked on the door. As the police knew him to be in drug circles, they searched him but the only thing he had in his possession were some keys and a Lm5 note. He had told the police he went to buy "artists` paper" but no such paper had been found by the police in the search.

Insp. Harrison said Schembri initially denied the items found were his but later admitted and even showed the police where he had thrown the spoon.

The court, presided by Magistrate Carol Peralta, said there appeared to be enough grounds to indict Schembri and the court sent the records of the case to the Attorney General`s office.

Inspector Neil Harrison prosecuted.

Dr Joe Giglio appeared for Schembri.