14-year prison sentence over importation of cocaine

Panamanian national Nicolas Gabriel King Jimenez was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment and fined €30,000 after admitting to importing 2kg of cocaine.

Judge Michael Mallia heard how on 26 May 2009, boarding an Air Malta flight KM 421 leaving from Brussels, Belgium to Malta, the accused was carrying over two kilograms of cocaine in his luggage.

Police investigation brought to light how the Panamanian had conspired and agreed with a certain Jorge, to illegally deal in and export cocaine into Malta.

The drug would depart from Panama City to San Jose, to Madrid. From Madrid the package hidden in a false bottom of his luggage, will leave for Brussels then to Malta.

Prior to going to Panama City airport for his first of four air flights, the accused met Jorge and took possession of the luggage carrying the drugs. 

After landing at the Malta International Airport, Customs Officers affected a search in his luggage of the accused and found a packet filled with the drug cocaine.

Analysis of the drug showed the purity of the drug to be around 43%. The amount seized had a street value of between €137,048.5 and €214, 368.64.

Nicolas Gabriel King Jimenez pleaded guilty as charged and the court proceeds to pass the sentence indicated to it.

Judge Mallia condemned the accused to 14 years and six months imprisonment and fined him €30,000. The court also ordered the accused to pay €1611.41 in court expenses.

Furthermore the court ordered the forfeiture in favor of the Government of Malta of all property involved in the crimes of which the Panamanian has been found guilty.