Man jailed for 12 years after importing 14kgs of cannabis in his suitcase
The accused was arrested at Malta International Airport
A man has been jailed for 12 years after being caught with a suitcase full of cannabis estimated to be worth over €150,000.
Hou Lo Kah, from Malaysia, was arrested on March 18, 2025 at Malta International Airport after he arrived in Malta with just a backpack containing a few items of clothing and a suitcase completely filled with drugs.
Court-appointed scientific expert Gilbert Mercieca analysed the contents and discovered 28 packets of green grassy material hidden inside the suitcase. The material was confirmed to be cannabis weighing 13.984kg.
Mercieca told the court on Thursday the drugs contained an average THC concentration of 16%, with an estimated street value of €153,833.
Kah was charged with importation of cannabis grass, possession of the drug under circumstances indicating it was not for his exclusive use and associating with others to sell or traffic the illicit substance.
He registered an early guilty plea on March 16, 2026, during the compilation of evidence.
The prosecution confirmed that the accused fully cooperated with authorities during his statement and caused no obstacles for the investigation.
Judge Neville Camilleri sentenced him to 12 years in prison and a €20,000 fine. In addition to his sentence, Kah has been ordered to pay €6,465.85 to cover the costs of court experts within two years.