A 19-year old Gozitan who resides in Birkirkara was charged today with trafficking 87 ecstasy tablets, as well as being found in possession of three packets of cocaine.

Gordon Micallef had a total of 5 charges filed against him, namely drug trafficking, the possession of ecstasy, possession of cocaine, committing a crime while serving a suspended sentence and lastly committing a crime within 100 metres of a school, club or location which is known to be frequented by minors.

The accused had been handed down a suspended sentence for theft as recently as 15 December.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquele presided over the case while lawyer Robert Galea represented the accused.

Mr Micallef pleaded not guilty to the charges. Dr Galea argued that since his client was arraigned in court more than a month after the incident, this shows that he is trustworthy.

The accused was heard telling the court that he lost his identification card, and also claimed that he had forgotten the name of the street in Birkirkara where he resides. The exact address was only provided thanks to Mr Micallef’s ID card number which the police had originally found. Magistrate Depasquele was not impressed by this, and almost rejected bail on this basis.

The court heard that he has been suffering from “economic” problems. He is employed as a plasterer, and Dr Galea pleaded with the magistrate to take this into consideration when fixing bail conditions.

Mr Micallef was ultimately granted bail under a guarantee of €500. He was also placed under a personal guarantee of €10,000, and the accused mistakenly thought he had to pay the latter figure there and then. Upon Magistrate Depasquele correcting this, the accused was visibly relieved. The €500 was paid immediately.