Friendly favour lands youth in dock on drug possession charges

Prosecuting Inspector Dennis Theuma explained to the court how officers regularly affect searches at parties known to the police as venues prone to drug abuse and trafficking. 

Taking the witness stand in the compilation of evidence against a 17-year old female youth, the inspector explained how a party held in May 2013 at Club Numero Uno was one such event.

Two officers were conducting such searches for drugs on patrons entering the premises. Nine cannabis joints were found inside a packet of cigarettes carried by the accused, who was pregnant at the time. 

“In ten years of experience, I believe I can distinguish between a regular user and someone who abuses drugs occasionally,” the inspector said. “Since the incident, the accused has mothered a child. She has a very supportive family and her interrogation was held in the presence of her stepfather. Both the accused and her relative fully cooperated with the police”, Inspector Theuma explained.

In her police statement, the accused told investigators about a friendship she had with the man who the packet of cigarettes belonged to. Admitting to the police to being in possession of drugs, the young mother seemed oblivious to the consequences of her actions yet strongly denied making use of cannabis. Allegedly a friend of hers gave her a packet of cigarettes because he feared being apprehended by the police at the door. “Ignoring the risk, she allowed her heart to rule her mind and the drug was found on her. However the man has since been identified, investigated and will be prosecuted,” the officer told the court.

Inspector Dennis Theuma requested the appointment of a court expert to analyse the cannabis joints found inside the packet. The court upheld the prosecution’s request.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras ordered a ban on the publication of details revealing the identity of the accused, who was still a minor at the time of arrest.

Lawyers Lucio and Michael Sciriha are appearing for the youth.

The case was adjourned to 2 April.