Josette Bickle, 34 from Valletta, was apprehended by the drug squad in August 2002 after being put under surveillance. At 7.15am the police found 11 small sachets, two larger ones and a transparent plastic bag all containing brown powder, which later was identified by forensics to be heroin.

Bickle said she had a severe drug habit and took about three to eight grams of heroin a day. The drugs she was carrying that day were worth Lm180. The accused admitted she was in possession of the drugs.

Bickle was also accused of relapsing in view of previous convictions. She did not admit this charge and due to a legal loophole, the court ruled there was no evidence to find her guilty.

The court, presided over by magistrate Lawrence Quintano, took into account the amount of drugs found which was considerable.

Along with the 16-month jail term, Bickle was ordered to pay a Lm600 fine, to be paid in Lm30 monthly instalments. If not paid, the fine can be converted into an added three months in jail. Inspector Nezren Grixti prosecuted.