The prison authorities have yet to confirm whether seedlings found in a prison cell late last week were cannabis, as claimed in some quarters.

Informed sources said a Magisterial inquiry was launched after the 2cm high seedlings were found. However experts, including botanists and pharmacists, have still to determine the nature of the seedlings and are waiting for them to grow further.

A conclusive result is expected in about a fortnight.

The seedlings were found in a cell where a man accused of drug abuse is being held. The discovery was made during a routine search. The seedlings were in three ice cream bowls, with the inmate having used home-made compost.

Cannabis plants typically take four to six months to yield any substance for abuse.

Opposition home affairs spokesman Michael Falzon referred to the case at a press conference this morning, asking what action had been taken by the authorities.