Police arrest 11 youths for trafficking cannabis

Police have arrested eleven youths on suspicion of trafficking cannabis during two separate drug raids in Hamrun and Paceville.

Four Maltese men, aged between 17 and 23, were arrested in St Paul’s Square, Hamrun on Friday evening after police found them in possession of cannabis plants, resin and buds. They will be charged in court with drug trafficking and possession in the coming days.

A separate police investigation in Paceville on Saturday night led to the arrest of seven Somalian and Eriterian men, aged between 20 and 25, after they were found in possession of cannabis plants and resin, as well as cocaine.

The men were arraigned in court earlier today on charges of drug trafficking and possesion and are currently being held at the Corradino prison.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has come out in favour of the legalisation of recreational marijuana and said in May that he plans to launch a public consultation on the topic by the end of the year.