A Libyan man was yesterday cleared of importing steroids irregularly, after a court found that the Maltese law does not specify any procedure that states what should happen when a foreigner wants to import medicines for his own personal use.

Tarek Abd Suliman, 33, was arraigned on 22 August, accused of failing to declare 1,100 tablets upon his arrival at Malta International Airport on a flight from Tripoli.

A customs officer had told the court that the tablets were considered to be “restricted medicines” and according to the Medicines Authority, required a doctor’s prescription.

The court also heard Tonio Cassar from the Medicines Authority, who said that the Maltese law does not specify what should happen when a foreigner wants to import medicines for his own personal use.

He added that it is normally recommended that foreigners carry a doctor’s prescription when importing any medicines for their own personal use.

Moreover, the court found that the components of the tablets (Anabol and Androlic) imported by the man, were not listed in a legal notice on the subject and therefore did not, by law, require a doctor’s prescription.

The court ruled however, that this does not constitute any legal obligation and therefore the failure to carry a doctor’s prescription would not be considered to be a criminal offence.

The court also found that the quantity of tablets that Mr Abd Suliman imported could not be considered to be commercial quantities, so no import or trade licence was required.

The man was therefore cleared of all the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke presided over the court.

Police inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted and Dr Roberto Montalto appeared for the accused.