Man remanded over alleged cannabis deal outside Paceville clubs

Abdale Farah Ahmed, who resides in Gżira, was arraigned under arrest on Thursday over the alleged exchange, which took place on 22 September.

He was charged with trafficking cannabis and with committing the alleged offence within 100 metres of a place frequented by young people.

The court heard that police officers were carrying out a patrol in Paceville when in the area near Axis and Havana clubs. An officer witnessed an exchange between two individuals within the group, one of whom was Ahmed. Police saw money being exchanged for a small bag.

The person who allegedly received the bag was stopped a short distance away and searched, with officers finding a bag containing suspected cannabis. When asked who had sold it to him, the individual allegedly pointed out the accused.

Ahmed was subsequently arrested and informed of his rights. At one point, he was temporarily released from police custody to receive medical treatment.

An arrest warrant was later served after police were later informed that his condition was under control and that he was going to be discharged.

The validity of his arrest was not contested and Ahmed pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defence requested bail.

The prosecution objected, arguing that Ahmed did not have stable employment or a stable income and could therefore not provide sufficient guarantees to the court.

It also argued that he was not residing for his current registered address, which could make it difficult for police to trace him.

The prosecution further submitted that he was also lacking identification documents or a passport and that the witness involved in the exchange still had to testify, arguing that his release could create a serious risk of tampering with or contaminating evidence.

The defence countered that Ahmed does have an identity card and would reside at the address listed on the charge sheet if granted bail. They further submitted that Ahmed had been living in Malta for eight years and had been employed with WasteServ until around three months ago.

The defence also argued that being unemployed was not a legal impediment to being granted bail, describing the issue as irrelevant to the court’s assessment. It further submitted that the identity of the outstanding witness was unknown to the accused.

The court denied the request for bail and remanded Ahmed in custody.

Attorney General lawyer Ylenia Marie Abela and Inspector Perguido Saliba prosecuted. 

Defence lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.

Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace presided over the arraignment.