Polish Man Arrested For Cannabis Cultivation In Abandoned Msida Villa, Sentenced To Prison And Fined €4,500
In a recent police operation, a 23-year-old Polish man, identified as Szymon Wojcieck Stoklosa, was apprehended for cultivating cannabis plants inside an abandoned villa in Msida.
The arrest was made on 24th July 2021, following an investigation that revealed the illegal activity.
According to the police report, Inspector Steven-Ryan Micallef led the operation that led to Stoklosa’s apprehension. Upon entering the villa, the officers discovered a total of 22 cannabis plants, indicating the scale of the illicit operation.
The young man, who has no known address in Malta, pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted to cultivating the cannabis plants.
As a result, Stoklosa was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of €4,500 by the Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras.
It was revealed during the trial that Stoklosa’s journey into cannabis use began at the age of 13, following the tragic loss of his father. A probation officer’s report highlighted the difficulties he faced in his upbringing, which potentially contributed to his involvement in such activities.
In addition to the prison sentence and fine, Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras also ordered the confiscation of Stoklosa’s movable and immovable property. The authorities hope that this action will serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities.
Although cannabis is technically legal in Malta, individuals are only allowed to grow up to four plants. No cannabis clubs have been opened yet where one can legally buy the substance.
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