Drug trafficker's jail term reduced by two years

A man who had been found guilty of growing, trafficking and being in possession of cannabis had his 18-year jail term reduced by two years following appeal.

Over 19kg of cannabis had been discovered at Pawlu Muscat’s residence in Nadur and in his fields at Wied Binġemma.

He was arraigned in December 2003 and placed under house arrest the following.

Last January, he was jailed for 18 years and fined €45,000. The court had also ordered the seizure of his assets.

The Court of Criminal Appeal noted that Mr Muscat spent nearly four years under house arrest pointing out that although this did not mean that he was entitled to an equivalent reduction in jail term, it could be taken into account if the period spent was considerable and if the accused did not attempt to lengthen procedures.

Mr Muscat’s trial had been delayed for reasons beyond his control and the Court reduced his jail term by two years.