Man extradited from the UK to face pending drugs case

A man who was extradited from the UK to face a pending case of aggravated cocaine possession dating back to 2004 and who has since kicked the habit and is helping other addicts to follow suit today admitted to the charges brought against him. Before Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, 26-year-old Oliver Vella, who now lives in London, pleaded guilty to the drug charges on which he was extradited to Malta through a European Arrest Warrant. His case had started being heard before Mr Vella left Malta for the UK. It was put off until he was found and a warrant of arrest issued. When he was traced in London, the British police arrested him and extradited him to Malta. The court ordered a pre-sentencing report after defence lawyer Michael and Lucio Sciriha said their client had turned over a new leaf. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €15,000 and ordered to sign the bail book twice a day.  Police Inspector Nezren Grixti prosecuted.