A 22-year old driver was last night detained by members of the Armed Forces of Malta in St Julians after he was found in possession of a quantity of cannabis in his car.

The young man, who is from Paola, was stopped at an AFM vehicle check point (VCP) mounted by soldiers from 1st Regiment's 'C' (Special Duties) Company.

A bag containing the drug was found under the passenger seat. The driver and the accompanying three passengers were later handed over to the Police Drug Squad for further investigations.

The AFM said that following media reports over the past two weeks on the holding of such checkpoints, soldiers had reported complaints from drivers who were stopped when passing through these routine law-enforcement functions.

"As the Service endeavours to fulfill its tasks and assignments in a professional, courtious, polite and, above all, in a safe manner, the public is urged to continue to colloborate during VCP procedures underway. This would expedite their pursuing their journey in a problem-free manner," the AFM said.