Man accused of growing cannabis in his bedroom

A Mellieha resident who was found in possession of a “cannabis growing chamber” in his bedroom has pleaded not guilty to importing and cultivating this prohibited plant.

Matthew Mark Anthony McDonnell, 33, a Briton, was arraigned before Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras and charged with a string of offences relating to cannabis cultivation.

The court heard how the chamber was discovered during a police raid in the residence of the accused.

Inspector Dennis Theuma, prosecuting, said that the accused had modified his bedroom to be able to cultivate the illegal plants saying it had been converted to a “cannabis-growing chamber.”

No request for bail was required as the accused had not been arraigned under arrest, but had been charged by summons.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat appeared for the accused.