Two arraigned over cannabis trafficking

A Libyan and a Sudanese were remanded in custody yesterday after pleading not guilty to trafficking cannabis on and before Friday.

Khalifa Iswesi Shawish, 30, from Libya but lives in San Ġwann, pleaded not guilty to trafficking and possessing cannabis and being in possession of the drug within 100 metres from a place frequented by youth.

Sudanese national Mohammed Suleiman Abubaker, 23, who resides at the Ħal Far open centre, also pleaded not guilty to trafficking cannabis. He was also charged with possessing the drug in circumstances denoting it was not for his exclusive use.

Magistrate Michael Mallia turned down a request for bail and both men were remanded in custody.

In a separate sitting, Magistrate Mallia heard Alejo Aguila De Sandoval, a 19-year-old Spaniard, pleading guilty to cannabis possession on Friday in Paceville. He was conditionally discharged for a year after the court took into consideration the fact that he had cooperated with the police.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted. Lawyer Mark Busuttil was defence counsel.