A Somali national appeared before the court of magistrates this afternoon charged with the possession and trafficking of drugs.

The court heard how 29-year-old Abdi Ali Jama was caught by a police officer on patrol trying sell cannabis resin to another foreigner. When apprehended, the police found the man with 6.09 grams of cannabis resin. The man was arrested earlier today.

Inspector Trevor Micallef told the court that the man was found selling drugs within 100 metres from a school or a youth centre. The drugs were also found under the circumstances denoting that they were not intended for personal use.

Ali Jama pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him while his legal aid lawyer, Patrick Valentino, argued that the man should be granted bail. The lawyer argued that the man was caught with a very minimal amount. The prosecution objected to the request for bail saying that there is still a witness who has to testify in the case.

Inspector Micallef also noted that the charges are related to trafficking not simple possession. There was also an issue with the man’s address as he is currently residing in the Hal Far Open Centre which cannot, in this case, be classified as a fixed residence.

The court, presided by magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras denied the request for bail and the man was remanded in custody.