A Libyan man was jailed for 10 years yesterday, and fined Lm10,000, after he pleaded guilty to importing 430 grammes of heroin three years ago.

Instead of facing a trial by jury, Ahmed Abdul Salem Troum, 32, pleaded guilty to importing the heroin from Tripoli on the night of 30 November and 1 December 2003. He also pleaded guilty to conspiring to import drugs into Malta.

Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano handed down the judgement yesterday after the defence and the prosecution made their submissions on Monday.

Troum was caught in possession of the drug at Malta International Airport on his arrival from Libya and the illegal substance was found inside his shoes. Handing down his judgement, Chief Justice De Gaetano jailed Troum for10 years and fined him Lm10,000. He also ordered that if the fine is not paid, this should be converted to an extra year in jail.

The Chief Justice also ordered the confiscation of the defendant’s assets, including any property he owns, even if since he was caught with the drugs this property has been sold to third parties. The court further ordered the destruction of the seized heroin within two weeks unless the Attorney General declares that it is needed for other pending criminal cases.

Senior Counsel to the Republic Stephen Tonna Lowell prosecuted and Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for the accused.