11 people were arrested for cannabis possession during yesterday’s Isle of MTV concert in Floriana but a US rapper who bragged about smoking cannabis at the Blue Lagoon and lit up what appeared to be a joint during a press conference got off scot-free.

The police said in a statement that the ages of those arrested yesterday are between 17 and 40 and the number includes both Maltese and foreign nationals. “They were found to be in possession of suspected cannabis plant and cannabis resin,” the police said. The arrested persons are being held to help the police investigations.

In the meantime, American singer Wiz Khalifa, who posted pictures of himself smoking a joint at the Blue Lagoon, told reporters yesterday that there had been “no repercussions.”

The singer, who is allegedly a heavy cannabis user, also smoked what appeared to be joints before the press conference. Journalists were told not to ask about the controversy.

 

Drug squad seizes cannabis in Msida raid 

In another drug bust yesterday, drug squad officers seized around a kilo of suspected cannabis resin and 100 grams of suspected cannabis leaves. The officers also found a firearm and €20,000 in cash at the Msida garage. 

30-year-old Nicholas Vella, from Pembroke was arraigned this afternoon, charged with cannabis trafficking, possession of a firearm, relapsing and breaching a probation order. The court heard how the drugs and the gun were found in a safe.

Mr Vella pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During submissions on bail, defence lawyers Jason Azzopardi and Kris Busietta said the accused had identified the owner of the drugs and there was no risk that he would tamper with evidence. The prosecution however pointed out to the seriousness of the charges and said it still had to determine the source of the cash.

Magistrate Monica Vella granted bail against a deposit of €7,000 ad a personal guarantee of €15,000.