Jail, fine for self-confessed drug trafficker

A Libyan was jailed for eight years and fined €23,000 yesterday after he admitted to importing and trafficking 800 grams of heroin worth about €56,000 that were hidden in a false bottom in his suitcase.

Haithem Swissi, 27, was caught with the drugs in June 2007 on his arrival at Malta International Airport with another Libyan, Eman Ibrahim Wadi.

Mr Swissi chose to plead guilty to the charges before Mr Justice Michael Mallia yesterday morning instead of facing a trial by jury.

Mr Wadi will be facing similar charges in a trial scheduled to start on Monday.

Mr Swissi bought plane tickets in Libya on June 26, 2007 and flew to Malta that same day. On his arrival, he was searched by Customs officers who found the drugs.

Mr Wadi escaped from the airport but was caught later that evening at the airport while trying to find a flight back to Libya, the court heard. In handing down judgment, Mr Justice Mallia noted that, even though Mr Swissi pleaded guilty before the jurors were chosen, it could not be considered to be an early plea.

He took into consideration Mr Swissi’s age, the amount of drugs involved and his criminal record.

The fine will be converted into an extra year in jail if not paid within 15 days.

Lawyer Giannella Caruana Curran appeared for Mr Swissi.