Man jailed over 2003 drug find

Christopher Mifsud, 30, of Hamrun was jailed for 16 months and fined €2,500 after 373 grams of Cannabis were found in his possession 11 years ago, when the accused was still 19-years old.

Mifsud was charged with possession of Cannabis with the intent of trafficking.

On 17^th November 2003, the police searched both the car and house of the accused after receiving information that Mifsud had an unlicensed firearm and drugs in his residence.

In the man’s bedroom a packet was found containing a 10% pure cannabis resin cut in two blocks. Police also found Lm1930 (€830) in cash and a glass pipe used to smoke drugs. No firearm was found.

Mifsud released a police statement claiming he found the drug under a pile of stones at Hal Far. He told the investigators that the money was being saved to purchase his own apartment.

A Social Inquiry Report about the accused revealed the man suffered from a severe drug addiction which kept him back from keeping a stable employment. The report highlighted Mifsud’s need to enroll in a drug rehabilitation programme.

In the course of the proceedings the accused had successfully found a job after following an ETC course.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman found Mifsud guilty of being in possession of Cannabis not for his personal use. However the court remarked that no evidence was put forward showing the money found were earned through trafficking.

The accused was handed a 16-month jail term and fined €2,500. He was also ordered to pay €200 in court fees.

Inspector Christopher Pullicino prosecuted.