Woman placed on probation for drug possession

Jennifer Azzopardi, 29, of Paola, has been placed on probation for two years after being found in possession of heroin and cannabis nine years ago.

The court heard how during a search at the residence of the accused, police discovered 0.16 grams of heroin and 0.26 grams of heroin. The search also yielded 17 empty sachets, brown powder, syringes and other drug articles.

Police had also discovered a paper containing four names, their contact details and other numbers believed to be referring to moneys owed. This led to the police in believing that Azzopardi was engaged in drug trafficking.

Notwithstanding this, the accused was not interrogated about the numbers and names. In her ruling, Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras said there was not enough sufficient evidence to suggest that the accused sold drugs to the names on the paper, and said that the amount of drugs found was compatible with personal use, rather than trafficking.

Consequently, the court found the accused not guilty of drug trafficking but guilty of aggravated possession of heroin and simple possession of cannabis.

Azzopardi was placed under a probation period for two years.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.