A young Italian waitress tricked party-goers into thinking they were buying drugs when she was, in fact, giving them diuretic pills instead. 

Emanuela Garofalo, 25, Neapolitan-born and living in Italy and Spain, was caught red-handed during a police raid at the Ta' Qali party venue. She had bought the diuretic pills at a pharmacy, though her unsuspecting clients believed they were getting illicit drugs. 

She was charged with a series of offences related to the unlicensed practice of a medical profession, and pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court, presided over by magistrate Grazio Mercieca, conditionally discharged her for 3 years. Moreover, the court imposed a fine of €2329.37 to be paid in monthly instalments of €100 each, warning Ms Garofalo of the serious repercussions should she default on payments.

Inspector Malcolm Bondin prosecuted. Lawyer Benjamin Valenzia was legal aid.

The woman tricked party-goers using pills she had bought from a pharmacy. Photo: Shutterstock

The woman tricked party-goers using pills she had bought from a pharmacy. Photo: Shutterstock

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