Police arrested four people over alleged drug trafficking offences in separate patrols over the weekend.

In a statement, the police said that first arrest was of a Somali national – a 28-year-old man who lives in Gzira – who approached a plain-clothes officer near an establishment in Paceville to try and sell him drugs.

The man was searched and he was found to have substances suspected to be cannabis on his person.  He was charged in court with drug trafficking, aggravated possession, and of recidivism as he had already been found guilty of a similar crime.

The man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, together with a fine.

Police also arrested two individuals in a patrol in St Julian’s after they too were found to be in possession of what is thought to be cannabis.  The two arrested were a 23-year-old Somali man who lives in Birzebbuga and a 24-year-old Algerian man who lives in Birkirkara.

Finally, a 19-year-old man from Mqabba was arrested in Paola after a search in his vehicle resulted in the finding of a packet filled with what is suspected to be cocaine.

The Police Force said that it is committed to continuing its work against drug trafficking.