Cannabis growers arraigned

Peter Joseph Bonnici and Anthony Seychell, two 42-year-old men from Zejtun, were yesterday arraigned in court and charged in connection with the discovery of 285 cannabis plants in two residences on Friday.

Inspectors Norbert Ciappara and Dennis Theuma accused the two men of cultivating cannabis plants in conditions that showed the drugs were not for personal use.

Bonnici pleaded not guilty of having cultivated cannabis at his residence that was less than 100 metres away from a school, club or youth centre.

He was also accused of having imported parts of the cannabis plant and of having stolen electricity by tampering with the electricity metre.

Magistrate Dennis Montebello granted Bonnici bail against a Lm3,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm2,000.

Seychell was accused of having cultivated cannabis in conditions that proved it was not for his personal use and of having urged a public officer not to report the crime.

Seychell pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a deposit of Lm4,000 and a personal guarantee of Lm1,000.

Dr Edward Gatt appeared for Bonnici and Dr Lynn Zahra appeared for Seychell.