A Libyan man today was charged with possession of an illegal substance with an intention to sell, after he was found with 3 ecstasy pills in Paceville.
Ahmed Ali Salah Lawan, 25, is a resident of the Marsh Open Centre and holds refugee status.
Mr Lawan pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Lawyer Patrick Valentino, who represented the accused after he requested legal aid, questioned why the accused had been arraigned in this court instead of appearing in the drugs court, as is the norm with such a low quantity of illegal substances.
Inspector Kevin Pulis, representing the prosecution, said that the accused admitted that he intended to sell the pills in order to cover the cost of a mobile phone.
He went on to say that he did not wish to give the impression to other would-be offenders that it was fine to sell drugs in order to pay off these things and get away with it.
The amount in fact exceeded the possession threshold which is two pills, Mr Pulis explained.
"We're talking about simple maths here," he said.
He also stressed that the man was found in possession of the illicit substances in an area were a number of young people will be present.
The court, having heard the prosecution explain the circumstances of the man's arrest, found it to be valid.
Dr Valentino stressed that the accused has been residing in Malta, fully cooperated with the Police, and did not have a criminal history.
The accused was denied bail as he could no give any guarantees which were opposed to the charges.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2kj800M
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