Man caught with crack cocaine on unlicensed motorcycle in Gozo
Court denies accused bail as prosecutors point to his long list of prior convictions
A 42-year-old Gozo man was arraigned in court on Friday after police allegedly found 14 sachets of suspected crack cocaine, including 13 hidden underneath the motorcycle he was illegally riding.
Marvic Mercieca, of Qala, pleaded not guilty to charges including possession of cocaine in circumstances indicating it was not intended solely for his personal use.
Inspector Keith Xerri told the court the accused was well known to the police in connection with drug investigations and had recently been observed riding a motorcycle without a valid licence for the vehicle. The motorcycle in question was also unlicensed and uninsured.
Police stopped Mercieca while he was riding the motorcycle on Thursday, June 26. During a search, officers allegedly found one sachet of suspected crack cocaine in the pocket of his shorts. A further 13 identical sachets were then allegedly discovered hidden underneath the motorcycle, the court heard.
The prosecution requested a freezing order over the accused's assets, confiscation of the alleged proceeds of the offences and, if convicted, the application of recidivism provisions because of previous convictions.
The court was also asked to suspend Mercieca's driving licence pending the conclusion of proceedings.
Mercieca’s lawyer requested bail for his client but that was denied, with the court noting the accused’s series of previous criminal convictions.
Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the case in the Gozo law courts.
Attorney General lawyer Neville Galea led the prosecution together with police inspectors Keith Xerri and Mario Xiberras. Lawyer Franco Debono appeared for the accused.