A young woman who was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and a small amount of heroin and cannabis in 2005 was placed on probation for two years.

Jennifer Azzopardi, 29, from Paola, was held after the police found a small sachet at her apartment containing 0.16 grams of heroin, 17 empty sachets, two of which contained traces of heroin, and 0.26 grams of cannabis.

Drug paraphernalia such as syringes and a paper with four names and numbers written on it were also found.

She was subsequently charged with aggravated possession of drugs and simple possession of cannabis.

Police Superintendent Norbert Ciappara said the police had received information that the accused had been trafficking drugs from her apartment where she lived on her own.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras said that concluding that the names on the paper could be her clients amounted to conjecture as there was no evidence to support the theory.

The accused was not questioned about this during investigations. Taken in context, the names and numbers were indicative of what she was doing because she had a drug habit, was living on social benefits and had to pay the equivalent of €230 in rent, the magistrate noted.

On the other hand, the amount of drugs was small and matched what was usually found in cases of personal use.

She said that, although nine years had passed since Ms Azzopardi was held, the court had no information on her situation and whether she had managed to kick the habit.

The magistrate found her guilty of simple possession and placed her on probation for two years. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.