A man arrested in a drugs raid in Marsa at the weekend was handed an 8-month effective jail term and a fine after admitting to aggravated drug possession upon his arraignment on Tuesday.

Lee Jonathan Borg, a 34-year old unemployed Ħamrun resident, was charged with having been found in possession of cocaine, cannabis and heroin in circumstances denoting that the drugs were not for his own personal use.

Prosecuting inspector Mark Anthony Mercieca explained how members of the Drugs Squad, acting upon confidential information, had swooped upon a residence at Triq it-Tiġrija, Marsa where drug trafficking and drug abuse activities were allegedly taking place, so as to execute a search and arrest warrant.

Police said in a statement on Monday that the drugs squad had been monitoring the premises throughout the day. A raid by drugs squad officers, assisted by the special intervention unit and traffic police, revealed sachets containing substances believed to be cocaine, heroin and cannabis, all ready for distribution. The amount recovered was not disclosed.

Police also found electronic scales and other equipment used for drug consumption or trafficking was also found.

The raid led to the arrest of three men: Mr Borg, a 46-year old living in Msida and a 29-year old Libyan living in Marsascala.

Upon the accused’s guilty plea, legal aid lawyer Dustin Camilleri informed the court that his client needed help to battle his drug addiction.

Inspector Mercieca further pointed out that the accused had collaborated in the investigations, which were still ongoing.

In the light of these submissions, Magistrate Gabriella Vella declared the accused guilty upon his own admission and condemned him to an effective jail term of eight months and a €500 fine, payable in €25 monthly instalments once the man had served his prison term.