Two charged with dealing in cannabis

One of two men charged with dealing in cannabis was yesterday granted bail while the other was kept in custody.

Anthony Paul Portelli, 32, of the UK, was granted bail against a Lm1,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm20,000.

But Magistrate Abigail Lofaro denied Glenn Andrew Gorman bail on the grounds that his ties to Malta were not as strong as Portelli's.

Portelli had family in Malta whereas Gorman did not and thus, there was a greater danger that he would abscond.

The magistrate also noted that Portelli had a Maltese passport while Gorman was British.

Portelli and Gorman are pleading not guilty to the possession of some 14 ecstasy pills in circumstances denoting they were not for their personal use and the trafficking of cannabis on January 29.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Neil Harrison is prosecuting.

Dr Joseph Giglio is appearing for Portelli while Dr Chris Grima is appearing for Gorman.