A teenager was arrested by the police after officers chased him in narrow alleys in Cospicua, and caught him in possession of drugs.

The police said that 18-year-old was acting suspiciously at around 4pm in Alessandra Street, and he was approached by members of the Rapid Intervention Unit.

He ran off and the officers gave chase on foot, as the alleys were inaccessible to cars. The young man stopped in front of a residence in Santa Liena Street and started banging on the door, but the officers caught up with him before it was opened.

The youth was searched and the police found drugs on his person, leading to his arrest. He was also carrying a penknife and a knuckleduster.

A search was carried out in the residence, where three small packets of drugs were seized. Two other young men aged 20 and 27 are also helping the police in their investigations.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo is leading an inquiry.