An Ivorian national was fined €466 over an incident that took place on Saturday night when he panicked and resisted police officers who found him in possession of a small amount of cannabis resin.

Kofi Ani, 27, was stopped for a random search in Paceville. Officers found that he was carrying a small amount of the drug. The man panicked and fled the scene, leading to a brief chase.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella fined the man €466 and allowed him to pay the money in instalments of €77 a month.

Police Inspector Gabriel Micallef prosecuted while lawyer Joseph Mizzi appeared for the man.