A cruise passenger who took cannabis with him onshore was fined €800 after pleading guilty.

Fernando Torne Sanz, a 54-year old Spanish tourist, ended up in court facing criminal charges after being found in possession of some 18.2 grams of cannabis, which he told a court had been prescribed as a chronic pain relief.

Prosecuting Inspector Alfredo Mangion informed the court that the tourist had explained how he had forgotten to leave the drug inside his cabin before stepping ashore in Malta, stating further that the cannabis had been obtained legally in terms of a medical prescription.

The police had established that the 18.2 grams of cannabis were in fact intended for the man’s personal use - although no prescription was presented to the court.

In a statement issued later in the day, police said that the cannabis Mr Sanz had been caught with "does not fall under the category of medical cannabis according to Maltese laws." 

In view of his client’s guilty plea, coupled with the fact that the tourist had also missed his cruise ship, legal aid counsel Noel Bartolo argued that a pecuniary penalty would be appropriate punishment.

Upon the accused’s own admission and in view of submissions on punishment, duty magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech declared the man guilty and fined him, further ordering the destruction of the drug.

Correction 7.20pm The headline was amended to reflect the fact that Mr Sanz did not present a medical prescription in court.