An American man has been jailed for 12 years and slapped with a €25,000 fine after admitting to money laundering and trafficking cocaine.

John Joseph Evans, 34, had been charged back in 2013 with conspiring to sell cocaine, distributing the drug and possession. He was also charged, together with another person, with having laundered money through property transactions.

The accused admitted to the charges in March 2014 and presented a note of submissions on punishment in June of this year.

Although the charge of drug trafficking carries a maximum punishment of a life sentence, the note suggested a 12 year sentence and a €25,000 fine instead of the maximum punishment.

Madam Justice Edwina Grima upheld this request and imposed the suggested punishment.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of all property involved in the crimes as well as other movable and immovable property belonging to him.

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