Ecstasy earns accused a trip to prison

A man who was caught with 20 ecstasy pills just before boarding a boat for a party was yesterday jailed for nine months and fined €1,200.

Marco Camilleri, 26, of Żabbar was accompanied by a friend, Daniel Scerri, when he was caught by the police just before boarding the MV Karwela in August of 2003.

He had asked Mr Scerri to keep the pills for him until they were aboard.

Taking the witness stand, Mr Camilleri said the pills were meant for him and his friend as they would consume around five a day. He added that he was initially going to sell them but then decided to keep them for himself.

Testifying, Mr Scerri said that he had bought drugs from the accused on various occasions.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano found Mr Camilleri guilty of trafficking and possession in circumstances which denote it was not for his exclusive use.

Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Harrison prosecuted.