A man ended up behind bars following his arraignment on Boxing Day on charges of aggravated drug possession, barely three months since he had walked out of jail after serving a prison term.

Lawrence Fabri, a 38-year old Senglea resident, was arrested in Paceville in the early hours of Christmas Day after the police, reportedly acting on a tip-off, zoomed in on the man.

Some 60 ecstasy pills were found inside his car while a further 60 pills were allegedly found in a Paceville playground.

Although he offered resistance wheng approached by the police officers, the suspect was ultimately arrested and held in custody until his arraignment on Wednesday morning.

The prosecution charged the man with the aggravated possession of ecstasy, committed within 100 metres of a place frequently visited by young people.

He was further charged with being a recidivist.

The man pleaded not guilty and requested bail, a request which was turned down by duty magistrate Gabriella Vella in view of his apparent lack of trustworthiness, as well as the fact that police investigations were still ongoing.

Inspectors Mark A. Mercieca and Anthony Scerri prosecuted.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.