Tuesday March 22, 2016
By Helena Grech
A 21-year old man from Somalia today was sentenced to one year and two months imprisonment after he inadvertently offered to sell cannabis to plain-clothed officers. A fine was also imposed, amounting to €1,000.The incident took place last Saturday in Paceville. Abdirahman Aden Mohamud, who resides at the Marsa open centre, approached an officer in plain clothes and offered to sell him cannabis. Mr Mohamud was immediately searched and arrested. Police found just over two grams of cannabis on his person.
The accused was charged with trafficking the cannabis found on him, with the courts noting how it was not for personal use. He was also charged with committing the crime within 100m of an area frequented by youngsters. The court recommended that Mr Mohamud be sent to Mount Carmel Hospital due to mental health issues as opposed to the Corradino correctional facility.
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit presided over the case while Inspector Justine Grech prosecuted. Lawyer Patrick Valentino represented the accused.