A drug addict allegedly caught cultivating 14 cannabis plants at a site near his home was yesterday remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the charges.

Looking the worse for wear, John Polidano, 44, of Birżebbuġa, pleaded not guilty to cultivating the plants near his home on Sunday, possessing the drug in circumstances which denote it was not for his exclusive use, and possessing cannabis resin and heroin.

He also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

The discovery of the plants was made after days of investigation by the Drug Squad acting on a tip-off.

The arraignment was over within minutes and Mr Polidano was remanded in custody.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera also sent a recommendation to the director of prisons that the accused be given help to kick the habit.

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