Jailed for cannabis cultivation

A Nadur man was yesterday jailed for six months and fined Lm200 for the cultivation of the cannabis plant.

Joseph Camilleri, 65, was found guilty of cultivation and possession of the drug.

The Court of Magistrates in Gozo, presided by Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona, said there was sufficient evidence to bind the accused with the cultivation of the cannabis plants, although it also expressed its doubts as to whether such plants belonged to the accused, or rather to his son, as was probably the case.

Camilleri's case goes back to March 2001 after the police had received information that cannabis plants were being cultivated in Wied il-Biljun, limits of Ghajnsielem.

Police found the area in question and put the location under observation for several days.

The accused was eventually seen in the area, drawing water from a nearby well and watering the cannabis plants.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Maurice Curmi and Dr Chris Said appeared as counsel for the defendant.