A 41-year old woman, allegedly found in possession of drugs and branded clothing while living on social benefits, was granted bail after pleading not guilty to aggravated drug possession and money laundering.
Muriel Micallef, from Pieta’ was arrested on Wednesday when members of the Drug Squad zeroed in on the suspect who at the time was sitting inside a rented vehicle along with her minor daughter.
Upon sensing police presence, the woman had allegedly tried to dispose of the drug sachets that were subsequently found in her possession, along with other drugs and drug paraphernalia discovered inside her home.
Police had also come across various items of branded wear, some bearing price tags ranging between €300 and €400, the court heard.
“How could a person who last year got by on just under €8,000 in social benefits, possibly afford such clothes,” remarked prosecuting Inspector Alfredo Mangion.
The woman was charged with aggravated possession of cocaine and heroin, money laundering, complicity and also with allegedly breaching three previous bail decrees with the prospect of forfeiting some €50,000 in bail money.
She was also charged with recidivism.
Her lawyers put...
