A Libyan man was cleared of conspiracy to import cannabis and cannabis possession after the prosecution’s main witness changed his evidence and said that the accused had not been involved in the importation of the drugs.

Masoud Albuweisir, 38, from Libya, was originally charged with conspiracy to import cannabis into Malta and being in possession of cannabis resin in June 2004. The court heard how the police discovered cannabis resin hidden in the shoes of a Libyan man called Saad. Saad, who was accompanied by the defendant, immediately told police that the drugs belonged to Mr Albuweisir.

However, testifying in court, Mr Saad had a change of heart and told the court that the cannabis was his and that Mr Albuweisir had nothing to do with its importation. The court also heard an inmate testify how Mr Saad had told him the truth about the importation of the drug and had said that he was feeling guilty about having blamed an innocent person.

Handing down her judgement, magistrate Miriam Hayman said the prosecution had not proved the involvement of Mr Albuweisir beyond reasonable doubt and she therefore cleared him of all the charges brought against him.

Police inspector Nezren Grixti prosecuted.

Dr Joe Giglio appeared for the defendant, who has been in prison ever since he appeared in court two years ago. However, Mr Albuweisir was re-arrested as soon as he left prison because, said the police, he did not have a visa to be in Malta. His original visa had expired while he was in prison pending the criminal proceedings which have fallen through.