An Eritrean refugee has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to cannabis trafficking while serving a suspended sentence.

Awet Estifanos Weldetinsae, 24, was charged with being in possession of cannabis in circumstances denoting that the drug was not intended for his personal use, committing the offence within 100 metres of a place frequented by youths and committing a crime whilst being under an operative period of a suspended sentence.

The court heard how Mr Weldetinsae, who lives at the Hal Far Open Centre, was caught carrying nine strips of cannabis resin weighing 8 grams. The drugs were found during a random search by police in Paceville.

The accused, who said he works as a plasterer, denied the charges. Magistrate Joseph Bugeja denied the request for bail.

Police Inspector Jonathan Cassar prosecuted. Dr Victor Bugeja was legal aid lawyer for the accused.