Court rules for indictment over cocaine possession

A Marsa man threw plastic bags, suspected to contain cannabis, out of his car's window when he realised he was being followed by police, a court heard yesterday.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara said that after being informed that a mechanic who worked in a Sta Venera garage had drugs he instructed members of the drug squad to monitor his behaviour.

The man was followed when he left the garage but he must have realised he was being followed because he threw the plastic bags out of the window, the inspector said.

Inspector Ciappara testified before Magistrate Joseph Cassar in the compilation of evidence against Daren Debono, 25, who is pleading not guilty to the possession of cocaine in circumstances denoting it was not for his personal use.

The inspector explained that Debono was stopped and his car searched on February 6. Electronic weighing scales were found under a seat and other bags similar to the ones thrown out of the window were also found.

When Debono was questioned he denied that the bags were his but admitted that a small amount of cannabis found in his bedroom during a search in his house was his and for his own personal use.

At the end of yesterday's sitting, Magistrate Cassar ruled that there were enough reasons for Debono's indictment.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Ciappara is prosecuting.

Dr Joseph Giglio is appearing for the Debono.