Drug awareness group 'activist' fined for cocaine possession

A man, who claimed he formed part of a drug awareness group, was yesterday fined Lm700 for possessing 4.5 grammes of cocaine but cleared of planning to sell the drug.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano heard Salvu Muscat, 42, explain that he worked against drugs and had purchased the cocaine in a controlled delivery with the intention to take it for testing.

This formed part of the investigative work he carried out as an active member in a drug awareness group called Safer Dance Culture.

Dr Quintano heard how, in January 1999, the police arrested Mr Muscat when they found him to be in the possession of five sachets of cocaine.

Mr Muscat insisted he formed part of Safer Dance Culture that worked against drugs and raised public awareness against the substance.

As part of this awareness campaign, he investigated how drugs moved around the island. He said he bought the cocaine and intended taking it for analysis. He did not say who would carry out the analysis but said that although the person did not have a licence he was qualified.

He also said he kept close contact with sedqa's CEO Joe Gerada.

Mr Gerada said he had a vague memory of the accused but specified he did not recall ever reaching an agreement with Mr Muscat or encouraging the analysis of drugs.

On handing down judgement, the magistrate noted that it was not being contested that the cocaine was in the possession of Mr Muscat. However, Mr Muscat always insisted that he did not sell the drugs.

Although the court did not fully believe Mr Muscat's version it decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Police Superintendent Neil Harrison prosecuted.

Lawyer Anglu Farrugia was defence counsel.