A drug addict was jailed for six years and fined €4,000 after he was found guilty of having 48.7 grams of heroin almost 13 years ago.

Victor Buttigieg, 42, of Naxxar, was convicted of drug possession with intent to deal in the illegal substance.

Officers from the police drug squad searched Mr Buttigieg’s house on July 3, 2002, and found eight plastic sachets containing a total of 48.7 grams of heroin.

He told the police he had purchased a total of 52 grams from a supplier named Mustafa who, he said, had “forced” him to buy the entire amount, even though he did not require that much.

Magistrate Marseann Farrugia did not believe his version, saying it was “incredible” that Mr Buttigieg bought the heroin split into sachets, as if they were ready for sale.

She noted that the accused had 15 convictions on his criminal record, including four over possession of heroin and cocaine, a conviction of aggravated possession and three for traffic-related offen-ces. He had also been found guilty of possessing weapons, threatening the police, illegal arrest and theft.

Apart from jail time and the fine, Mr Buttigieg was ordered to pay €217 in court expenses.