A man who washes cars for a living was today charged with cannabis possession and trafficking after he was caught with almost half a kilogram of cannabis at his residence.

Larkin Scicluna, 24, from Zebbug, pleaded not guilty to trafficking and the aggravated possession of the drug, found in circumstances denoting it was not for his personal use, and relapsing. He was also charged with the simple possession of cocaine.

Defence counsel Arthur Azzopardi told Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona that his client had a high dependency on cannabis, which he has smoked since he was 14 years old, but was willing to kick the habit. The accused said he was doing it especially for his mother and other relatives.

Given the circumstances, the court appointed a probation officer to monitor the man and help him quit the habit through a drug rehabilitation programme.

Mr Scicluna was granted bail against a €5,000 personal guarantee and ordered to sign the bail book twice a week.

Police Inspector Gabriel Micallef prosecuted.