Two brothers from St Julian's were arraigned in court this morning after a search of their apartment yielded 250 grams of cannabis.

It is understood that the police received information that drugs were being trafficked from the apartment where the accused live.  

As the police searched the apartment, the younger brother, aged 16, chucked a bag containing cannabis out of the balcony. He attempted to flee the police but was arrested some time after.

The 16-year-old was charged with drug possession as well as with resisting arrest, absconding, concealing evidence of the crime and being a repeat offender.

Prosecuting officer Frank Anthony Tabone told the court that while giving his statement, the boy had admitted to becoming a cannabis user over the past few months.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit noted the sad state of affairs, and told the accused that she was ready to help him but stressed the importance of him being prepared to help himself and to attend a drug rehabilitation programme.

Given his early guilty plea and his young age, the 16-year-old was put on probation for three years, with specific instructions to help him kick the habit and find employment.

Police investigations indicated that the drug actually belonged to his 20-year-old brother, who cannot be named by court order.

He was charged with drug trafficking and possession, as well as with resisting arrest and concealing evidence, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Lawyer Peter Paul Zammit's request for bail was objected to by Insp. Tabone, who argued that civilian witnesses were yet to testify.

Bail was denied and the 20-year-old was remanded in custody.