Eight held at roadblocks

A number of people were handed over to the police on suspicion of possessing drugs after they were stopped at checkpoints set up by the Armed Forces of Malta in Żabbar, St Julians and Cospicua on Sunday.

A 33-year-old man from Żebbuġ was detained after he was allegedly found in possession of cannabis.

The AFM said soldiers saw the man behaving apprehensively on his approach to the checkpoint, which had been set up on the outskirts of Żabbar. Joints and blocks of cannabis resin were allegedly found in his car.

Two men from Żurrieq and Ħamrun, aged 40 and 19 respectively, were allegedly found in possession of cannabis resin and cannabis leaves when searched.

Another three individuals hailing from Balzan, Birkirkara and Gżira, who were drunk, were detained for allegedly driving under the influence and possession of a powdered drug. One of them also allegedly had cannabis resin in his possession.

A 32-year-old man from Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and a 24-year-old female passenger from Pembroke were detained after trying to evade a vehicle checkpoint. Two sachets of cocaine were allegedly found in their car.