A 59-year-old man from Msida was yesterday charged with cultivating 56 cannabis plans which were discovered by the police in a garage in Zebbug.

Albert Tanti was also charged with being in possession of an amount of cannabis which was found in circumstances denoting it was not for his personal use.

Before Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, Mr Tanti pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm5,000 and placed under house arrest, except for two hours in the morning in order to run daily errands.

Although he pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, his case will continue before the Criminal Court since the punishment for this crime exceeds the competence of the Court of Magistrates and will have to go to trial.

Magistrate Padovani also appointed Dr Anthony Cutajar as court expert to freeze all the man’s assets. Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino and Raymond Cassar prosecuted.