Drug user sold two buses to sustain addiction

A 46-year-old man was yesterday jailed for 26 months after a court heard how his "serious" drug problem led him to sell two of his buses to fuel his drug habit.

Carmelo Borg of Żabbar admitted to trafficking and possessing heroin on and before September 10 and committing a crime within 100 metres of an establishment frequented by minors.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano heard that Mr Borg was found in possession of seven sachets of the drug.

Mr Borg told the police about the severity of his drug problem and how he had sold two buses he owned in order to feed his addiction. He even told officers that, if he were to go to prison, it would be best if he started a drug rehabilitation programme.

In handing down judgment, the court said the state of his arms, due to the constant injecting of heroin, indicated just how bad Mr Borg's drug problem was.

When considering punishment, the magistrate took into consideration the fact that his criminal record contains a lot of traffic offences, he was a relapser and he was near an establishment frequented by minors.

The court also took into account the fact that the accused had admitted at an early stage of the proceedings and that he had shown a genuine will to recover from his addiction.

Dr Quintano said that a factor which might have played a significant part in Mr Borg's problem was that he had no one to confide in.

Mr Borg was jailed for 26 months and fined €1,500.

Police Inspectors Jesmond Borg and Johann Fenech prosecuted.