16-year-old granted bail after being charged with cannabis and cocaine trafficking

A 16-year-old boy was arraigned in court on charges of trafficking cannabis and cocaine, along with a number of other offences related to drugs, driving and possession of weapons.

On Saturday morning, the accused was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after police allegedly found cannabis, cocaine, and around €700 in cash in his possession.

Police said officers spotted the young man driving a car on Saturday morning before he parked and got out of the vehicle.

As officers approached him while he was walking away, the boy allegedly attempted to flee but was arrested shortly afterwards.

A search of the car uncovered 12 sachets of suspected cannabis, a grinder containing cannabis resin, five sachets of suspected cocaine, and around €700 in cash.

Police then searched the boy’s residence, where they found additional suspected cocaine, an electronic scale bearing traces of illicit substances, and a number of small bags.

According to the charges filed before the Court of Magistrates, the teenager is accused of trafficking cannabis and cocaine on 18 September 2026 and in the days, weeks or months preceding that date.

He is also charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine in circumstances which, according to the prosecution, indicated that the drugs were not intended solely for his personal use.

The teenager is further accused of driving a vehicle without a driving licence and without third-party insurance coverage.

He is also facing a charge of possessing a knuckleduster, classified as a prohibited weapon, as well as possession of another regular weapon.

During the sitting, the court upheld the accused’s request for bail against a €1,000 deposit.

The court also imposed a treatment order.

Lawyer Matthew Xuereb represented the accused.

Prosecution was being led by inspector Jonathan Pace and AG lawyer Nadia Ciappara.