A 52-year-old man from Tarxien was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly growing cannabis plants worth around €100,000 in his residence. The police said in a statement that they raided the man’s house after receiving a tip-off about his illicit activities.
The police found 120 cannabis plants of various sizes, as well as equipment used for cultivation, such as lamps, fans, and fertilizers. The police also seized €15,000 in cash and a shotgun from the premises.
The man was taken to the police headquarters for further questioning, while the cannabis plants were sent for analysis. The police said that the man could face charges of aggravated possession and cultivation of cannabis, as well as illegal possession of a firearm.
Brother of the suspect surrenders to the police
The police said that during their investigations, they identified another suspect who was involved in the cannabis operation. The suspect, a 46-year-old brother of the arrested man, voluntarily surrendered to the police on Wednesday afternoon, further implicating himself in the illicit operation.
The police said that they searched the brother’s residence in Tarxien and found another 20 cannabis plants, as well as more equipment and cash. The brother was also taken to the police headquarters for further questioning.
The police said that they are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests in connection with the case, as they are still following several leads and gathering evidence.
Magisterial inquiry launched into the case
Magistrate Rachel Montebello was informed of the case and appointed a number of experts to assist her in the inquiry. The inquiry will determine the exact amount and value of the cannabis plants, as well as the origin and destination of the drugs.
The inquiry will also examine the role and responsibility of the two suspects, as well as any other possible accomplices or beneficiaries of the cannabis operation. The inquiry will also consider any mitigating or aggravating circumstances that may affect the outcome of the case.
The police said that they are committed to combat the illegal cultivation and trafficking of cannabis in Malta, and urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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