Teenager jailed, fined for selling heroin

A 17-year-old boy was yesterday jailed for two years and fined Lm450 for selling heroin to his friends just outside his house, close to a Qormi primary school.

The boy, whose name is not being published as he is a minor, was found guilty of trafficking in heroin and of being in possession of cannabis resin in December last year. Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima heard how the boy would sell drugs to his friends when he was tight for cash but gave the drugs for free when he could afford it.

The police were informed that several young people were noticed suspiciously gathering near the boy's house and, during a search inside the house, drug related items were found.

On handling down judgment, the magistrate noted that the teenager had a clean criminal record and recommended the prison authorities to allow him to attend a drug rehabilitation programme while serving time.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted.