Owner of student hangout charged over drugs

The owner of an Msida bar popular with sixth form students has been charged with possession of five kilos of cannabis with intent to traffic. Anthony Debattista, 63, of Msida, denied being in possession of the cannabis on Friday. He also pleaded not...

The owner of an Msida bar popular with sixth form students has been charged with possession of five kilos of cannabis with intent to traffic.

Anthony Debattista, 63, of Msida, denied being in possession of the cannabis on Friday. He also pleaded not guilty to possession of cocaine.

Mr Debattista owns the White Arrow bar, which lies across the road from the Junior College, and lives in a garage next to the bar. He was arrested on Friday afternoon along with another two men after the police raided his residence.

There was no request for bail and, as a result, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera remanded him in custody.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted. Lawyer Robert Montalto appeared for Mr Debattista.

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