Police officer testifies on cannabis find

Three-and-a-half kilos of cannabis, found in the possession of a Xaghra man when he was arrested, was about to be sold for Lm6,000, a police officer told the court in Gozo yesterday.

Inspector Nezren Grixti was testifying before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera in the compilation of evidence against Walter John Cassar, 25, of Xaghra who stands charged with possession and trafficking of cannabis.

Inspector Grixti said the accused had been observed loading items in his car. When stopped by the police in Marsalforn, he was found in possession of a box and several bags which contained a substance suspected to be cannabis.

The court heard that in a statement to the police, the accused explained that the cannabis found in his possession had been bought for Lm4,000 but would be sold for Lm6,000. The person who had consigned the drug to the accused would thus make a profit of Lm2,000 and the accused would receive a percentage of the profit.

The accused was granted bail on condition he does not leave his residence except to appear in court and against a deposit of Lm2,000 and a personal guarantee of Lm8,000.

Superintendent Neil Harrison and Inspector Nezren Grixti are conducting the prosecution.

Dr Emanuel Mallia is appearing for Cassar.