Updated | Man admits to possession of various illegal drugs at Mount Carmel Hospital

A 32-year-old Msida man has been sentenced to probation and placed under a treatment order following his admission to having been in possession of various illegal drugs at a mental healthcare facility.

He had been arraigned under arrest before magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil on Wednesday, charged with simple possession of ketamine, cocaine and ecstasy.

Only scant details about the case emerged during today’s arraignment, as the parties asked to approach the bench and discuss the case privately with the magistrate.

Police Inspector Joseph Mallia told the court that the investigation had started on 13 July, while preparations were being made for the defendant’s birthday party at St Julian’s.

Those investigations led to the drugs being found on the defendant’s person while he was receiving treatment for an unrelated psychiatric condition at Mount Carmel Hospital.

A magisterial inquiry was launched and an expert appointed during that inquiry had determined the substances to be 2.7g of ketamine, 2.7g of cocaine and 3g of ecstasy.

The 32-year-old defendant, who told the court that he was “a barber and coach”, pleaded guilty to charges of simple possession of ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine.

He confirmed his plea after the court explained to the man what punishment he was potentially facing and gave him time to reconsider.

Magistrate Camilleri Busuttil adjourned the case to the next day for sentencing, granting the man bail until then.

When the sentencing hearing was called on Thursday, the court declared the man guilty on his own admission and placed him on probation for 2 years. He was also placed under a 2-year treatment order. The man was also ordered to pay the costs of appointing experts during the inquiry. The court ordered the destruction of the drugs seized. 

Lawyer Charles Mercieca was defence counsel.