Charged with pushing cannabis

A 40-year-old man was charged yesterday charged with trafficking about a kilogramme of cannabis resin and with the possession of cocaine.

Brian Joseph Mangion, of Qormi, admitted to the simple possession of cannabis but pleaded not guilty to trafficking in the drug, the possession of cocaine and committing a crime during the operative time of a suspended jail term on and before Thursday.

The police said the cannabis was allegedly found in Mr Mangion's kitchen during a search in his residence. Apart from the cannabis and a small amount of cocaine the police said they also seized €4,490 (Lm1,988) in cash. Mr Mangion was remanded in police custody.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti presided over the arraignment.

Police Inspectors Pierre Grech and Fabian Fleri prosecuted.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio appeared for Mr Mangion.