Jailed, fined for drug possession

A man was yesterday jailed for nine months and fined Lm400 for the possession of a psychotropic drug and of a total of 7.35 grammes of cannabis leaves in circumstances denoting the latter were not for his personal use.

Stephen Young was found guilty of committing the crime in Fgura on and before July 25, 2000.

Magistrate Noel Cuschieri heard how, as police were in Fgura, they noticed three youths seated in a car and suspected that the youths were acting illegally.

As they approached the car, police noticed Young throw a bag out of the window. It eventually resulted that the bag contained 1.73 grammes of crumbs of cannabis leaves. Police searched the youths and found cigarette papers on one of them.

Subsequently, police also searched Young's residence and in his bedroom cupboard they found two plastic bags which contained a total of 5.62 grammes of cannabis leaves and five pills composed of a psychotropic substance.

Police also found a container full of tabacco and a packet of foil, some of which was burnt.

Magistrate Cuschieri also heard Young admit that the bag he threw out of the window, as well as the bags found in his bedroom, belonged to him. He said that he smoked pot whenever he felt like it but denied ever selling it.

Young explained that, when police stopped him, he had no intentions to smoke with his friends but was on his way to Marsaxlokk to meet his father. Asked about the bag he threw out of the window, he said that when he went out, it was his habit to roll a cigarette or two to take with him.

After evaluating the evidence the magistrate concluded that the charges brought against Young had been sufficiently proven. This was because Young himself admitted the simple possession of the drugs.

As regards to the possession with intent, the magistrate said, the fact that it was found in his possession when he was in a car with another two youths and the fact that no cigarette paper was found in his possession, strongly suggested that he did not intend the drug for his personal use.

In handing down judgment, the magistrate noted Young's clean criminal record and the type and quantity of drugs involved. He also noted the gravity of the case.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara prosecuted.