An asylum seeker was handed a suspended sentence today after being found in possession of drugs when police raided his Bugibba apartment last Saturday night.

Tripoli-born Adbisalem Ahmed Sliman, 34, currently seeking refugee status in Malta, and without a regular job, was arrested after an anonymous report was filed regarding the noise emanating from the man's residence. 

When police officers went to investigate, they sensed a strong smell of marijuana upon entering the apartment. A search of the premises yielded some 25.364g of cannabis resin which Mr Sliman explained was for his own personal use. Inside the flat, the man was discovered in the company of two other persons.

The man pleaded guilty and was handed a nine-month jail term suspended for one year. In delivering sentence, the court, presided by magistrate Gabriella Vella, observed that the man had a clean criminal record sheet, had cooperated with the police and had filed an early guilty plea. Moreover, the drug involved was minimal in amount.

The court also condemned Mr Sliman to a fine of €500 to be paid within 10 months at a monthly rate of €50.

Wearing bermudas, jacket and flip-flops the man said "thank you so much" nodding in appreciation as the magistrate explained the implications of the judgment.

Inspector Nicholas Vella prosecuted.

Lawyer Noel Bianco was defence counsel.