Man convicted of trafficking cocaine

James Callus, 32, of St Julian’s, was conditionally discharged for two years after being convicted of trafficking cocaine, through sharing.

Prosecuting inspector Jesmond Borg told the court this was a case of trafficking by sharing. However the defence argued that this was a case of simple possession.

The prosecution recounted how on the night between 25 and 26 July 2009, during a party held at MFCC, Ta’ Qali, officers were conducting searches on the revellers. The accused, together with a certain Richard Ghirxi, was observed leaving the toilets. The two were searched and two packets of white powder and a €10 note were found in their pockets.

In his statement, Callus told investigators the euro note was used to take the drug. “We were looking for someone to sell us cocaine. When we managed, I bought the drug and we went to the toilets to share it – then the police arrested us”.

This was the first time Callus had abused of cocaine, after having smoked a joint years before. He paid €60 for his sachet.

Richard Ghirxi also released a statement. However he claimed that the two had bought individual packets of cocaine and had met at the bar and walked to the toilets together. “We went together but each of us used his own drug”, he said.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras found Callus guilty of trafficking cocaine and handed him a two-year conditional discharge.