Unemployed Birzebbuga man admits to drug dealing, granted bail

An unemployed Birzebbuga resident who was found to have stashed away "a considerable amount of money" has been released on bail after he pleaded guilty to various charges relating to drug dealing, this morning.

Police Inspectors Justine Grech and Malcolm Bondin arraigned 26-year-old Luke Joseph Galea under arrest before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, charging him with conspiracy to traffic cannabis, selling cannabis resin and with being in possession of cannabis, mephedrone and cocaine in circumstances which indicated that they were not intended solely for his personal use.

He was also charged with money laundering.

Inspector Grech told the court how Galea, who is unemployed, was arrested on the 4 August and found to have considerable quantities of cash stored at his home.

Defence lawyer Joe Giglio entered a plea of guilty for all charges bar that of money laundering. He requested bail for the accused, pointing out that, in view of his admission, there was no risk of Galea tampering with evidence. 

The prosecution did not object, as long as sufficient measures were taken to ensure he turned up for his sittings.

The court accepted the request and granted the man bail against a personal guarantee of €2,500 and a deposit of €3,000. Galea was also ordered to sign a bail book twice a week.