A 44-year-old man from Sliema today was condemned to 2.5 years in prison after being found guilty of possessing heroin and indications that it was not for personal use.

The case began in May 2004. The drug squad were conducting surveillance on a block of apartments where Jason Abela, the accused, resides.

At one point, the accused exited the building with a young girl. When the accused noticed the police, he began to run throwing money away. The police gave chase and caught him. They searched him and found a packet of cigarettes and sachets filled with yellow powder and €894 in cash. Police then searched Mr Abela’s home and found further evidence of drug use along with three mobile phones.

The accused said that at the time, he used to consume around half a gram to a gram of heroin each day. Her said that he did not take the drug at home as he had a young disabled daughter.

As such, he said that he used to inject the drug in his mother’s garage.

The Court said it was convinced that the heroin found on Mr Abela was not for his exclusive use.

Mr Abela was also fined €2,000.

Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted.