A Libyan man was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Lm5,000 after he pleaded guilty to importing heroin and trafficking the drug.

Omar Mohamed Mehemud Erayani, 32, was due to stand trial yesterday for importing heroin into Malta, trafficking in the drug and possession with intent to traffic. He chose to admit to the charges and judgment was passed after submissions on punishment were made by the defence and prosecution.

The man was apprehended at the Malta International Airport on 18 December 2003 carrying 38 grammes of heroin in seven capsules hidden in a knee cap. He told police he had been hired as a courier by two Libyan men named Murad and Fawsi.

The court heard Inspector Norbert Ciappara confirm that Erayani proceeded to testify against Murad when the man was eventually arrested and charged with drug importation and trafficking. This meant that Erayani benefited from a reduction in punishment by one or two degrees according to Article 29 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

Both the defence and the prosecution agreed that a five-year jail term and a Lm5,000 fine would be adequate punishment.

“We actually thank the accused since he was instrumental in identifying people who imported drugs into Malta over a period of time,” said Senior Counsel to the Republic Dr Mark Said.

“The court cannot ignore that the crimes the accused admitted to are detrimental to society, especially the younger generations,” pointed out Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono when handing down judgment. He said that drug importation can be considered an abuse of Maltese hospitality.

The judge took the man’s age, his criminal record and the amount of drugs found in his possession into consideration. He also noted that the prosecution and the defence had agreed on a satisfactory punishment.

Mr Justice Galea Debono went on to sentence Erayani to a five-year in jail and give him a Lm5,000 fine. He ordered that the time the man had spent in preventative custody, that is, from December 2003 to date, to be deducted from the sentence.

Erayani was also declared an illegal immigrant and he will be deported once he serves time.

Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Jose Herrera appeared for the accused.