Two men ended up in court yesterday accused of drug-related crimes after one allegedly sold cannabis to the other.

The court heard how following several days of surveillance and investigations, on Sunday evening the police intercepted a car being driven by Nicholas Abela Ayling, 34, from Fgura. The raid took place in Triq il-Dwin in Zebbug.

Police inspector Nezren Grixti said the accused was found in possession of 500 grammes of cannabis resin.

Soon after, while the police continued with their investigation, the police stopped another car a corner away, which was being driven by Briegel Micallef, 21, from Zebbug. Although he was not caught with any drugs, he admitted to the police that he had supplied Mr Abela Ayling with the cannabis, Mr Grixti said.

Mr Abela Ayling is being accused of cannabis possession while Mr Micallef is being charged with cannabis possession and trafficking. Both are also being accused of committing the crime within the distance of 100 metres from a school or a club frequented by youths.

The two men, who were arraigned separately before magistrate Michael Mallia, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

Mr Abela Ayling was granted bail against a deposit of Lm500 and a personal guarantee of Lm500 while Mr Micallef was granted bail against a deposit of Lm800 and a personal guarantee of Lm500.

Police inspector Nezren Grixti prosecuted. Dr Jason Azzopardi and Dr Kris Busietta appeared for Mr Abela Ayling, while Dr Joe Brincat appeared for Mr Micallef.