Reformed drug trafficker jailed for 10 months

A 25-year-old man has been jailed for 10 months for the possession of about 90 ecstasy pills and trafficking in the drug three years ago.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano heard the young man admit to the charges brought against him and heard how he had helped the police by identifying several people who had supplied him with the drug.

The magistrate also heard a probation officer testify that the man was a "timid" person who came from a good family and had settled into a new life with a stable job. The probation officer suggested that a minimum punishment would be appropriate.

On handing down judgment the magistrate noted that a substantial amount of drugs had been found in the possession of the man. On the other hand, the man had filed an early guilty plea and cooperated with police investigations.

For these reasons the magistrate jailed him for 10 months and fined him Lm350.

The magistrate also ordered a ban on the publication of the name of the man since police investigations are ongoing.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara prosecuted.

Lawyer Jason Azzopardi represented the man.