Prison inmate found guilty of heroin possession

Mario Farrugia, 49, has been jailed for six and half months after being found guilty of being in possession of 0.165 grams of heroin while in prison.

The case dates back to 12th May 2005 when three prison wardens spotted Farrugia – an inmate residing at Corradino Correctional Facility – act suspiciously while making his way between Division 4 and the prison yard.

After following the accused, the accused was then spotted discarding of a foil packet, and of making a gesture. The packet was seized and found to contain five sachets of heroin.

Despite being seen by the police wardens, Farrugia denied the charges.

In her decree, Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras held that when taking into account the testimonies of the three prison wardens, there was no doubt that it was Farrugia who committed the offence.

The accused, who over the years has had several brushes with the law, was sentenced to six and a half months in prison.

The court also ordered that the drugs be destroyed.