A 40-year-old man was sentenced to four years in prison after the defence failed to prove that the drugs found in his possession were for his own personal use.

Duncan Scerri was charged with being in possession of heroin after a police search in his residence yielded several drug-related items, including five sachets of heroin, Lm350 in cash, pieces of burnt foil, foil in the shape of a pipe with traces of the drug, an electronic weighing scale and a number of unused small plastic bags.

During questioning, Mr Scerri admitted that the objects found were his, claiming that he was a heavy drug user, consuming 1.5g of heroin and spending Lm23 on his addiction every day. The accused however failed to explain the other objects found in his possession, which are usually related to drug trafficking.

He insisted that the cash was given to him by his mother, to help him pay his rent.

The court however did not rule the explanation logical, finding it questionable how Mr Scerri financed his addiction, given he was living off social benefits and paying Lm100 in rent every month. 

Magistrate Marseann Farrugia ruled that the defence failed to prove that the drug was for the man's own use and handed the man a four-year prison sentence and a fine of €3,000.

Police inspector Nezren Grixti led the prosecution.