A 16-year-old youth was arrested by the police in connection with an investigation into alleged drug trafficking, the police said Saturday. He was intercepted after the police noticed him driving a vehicle, parking, getting out, and walking away. As he was approached by the police, he attempted to flee but was immediately arrested.

Following a search conducted on his person and in the car, officers recovered 12 packets of a substance allegedly suspected to be cannabis, a grinder with traces allegedly of more cannabis, 5 packets of a substance allegedly suspected to be cocaine, as well as approximately 700 euros in cash.

A subsequent search at his residence led the police to discover more suspected cocaine, an electronic scale with traces of an illicit substance, and a number of small bags.

He is currently being held at the Floriana police lock-up and is expected to be brought before the court today at around 11:30 AM before Magistrate Dr Ann Marie Thake LL.D.