Man jailed six months

A former drug user was this morning jailed for six months and fined €468 after he was found guilty of trafficking and being in possession of heroin.

The case dates back to May 2000, when the police had seen Jason Abela, 38, of St Paul’s Bay, arrive at his apartment in a van.

As they stopped him, he started shouting to attract the attention of someone at his flat.

In his presence, the police elevated a small amount of heroin in the living room and other drug related items. The accused had in his possession Lm81, Lm780, $300 and £40.

At one point, his mobile rang and he smashed it to the floor and broke it.

Soon after, two men – Carmelo Ciranna and Massimo Carusa, arrived at his flat.

They told the police they were to the apartment to buy drugs.

Although the accused admitted that he was a heroin user, he denied having sold the drug.

During the compilation of evidence, Sedqa representative Vicky Scicluna had said that her last appointment with the accused was in July 2002. He had just successfully concluded a drug rehabilitation programme.

He was again interviewed in January 2003 but he did not keep all his appointments and when he tested positive for drugs he said he had taken “Night Nurse”.

Suret il-Bniedem coordinator Charlie Mifsud said the accused had made progress after contacting Caritas and he had done a lot of voluntary work for the organisation.

In handing down judgement, Magistrate Lawrence Quintano said that it was clear that Mr Caruso had wanted to buy drugs from the accused but did not manage to because of the intervention of the police.

The magistrate took into consideration the important help the accused gave the police, the probation officer’s report and his practically clean police record. On the other hand, the magistrate said, it was evident that the accused had sold drugs more than once.