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.