Jailed for pushing cocaine

A 55-year-old man was jailed for eight months and fined Lm400 for trafficking in cocaine and for the possession of cannabis resin with the intent to sell eight years ago.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano found John Bonnici, of Qormi, guilty of trafficking in cocaine and being in possession of cannabis on and before March 6, 1998.

The magistrate heard how the police has stopped Mr Bonnici during a road block in Gzira. During a search they found three pieces of cannabis in his back pocket, cocaine in his wallet and Lm151 in cheques and foreign currency.

Mr Bonnici said he had bought the cannabis from an Arab in Sliema for Lm150 and bought the cocaine for Lm20 during a party. He denied ever selling drugs.

The magistrate also heard Christopher Borg testify that he had known Mr Bonnici for some time and that, on one occasion, he had offered to sell him cocaine.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted.