A 20-year-old student of Saudi and Maltese nationality has been sentenced in Monaco after being found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, as well as possessing a significant quantity of drugs…
The man, who was studying in the Principality, was convicted in absentia after failing to appear in court and having no legal representation. As reported by Monaco Matin, the incident occurred on July 4, 2024, when the student was stopped by police around 3 a.m. on Avenue d’Ostende after repeatedly accelerating his vehicle.
A breathalyser test showed 0.71 mg/L of alcohol in his breath, equivalent to 1.42 g/L in blood, while a separate test revealed a high THC level. A small bag of cocaine was also found in his car, prompting police to search his residence. Officers discovered 90.67 grams of cannabis, traces of cocaine, and equipment for weighing and packaging narcotics.
According to the court, the student claimed the drugs were part of a group purchase shared among friends, denying any trafficking intent. However, Deputy Prosecutor Emmanuelle Carniello argued the evidence pointed to drug dealing, citing video footage, scales, and bagging materials. The court sentenced the man to a 12-month suspended prison term, a €1,000 fine, and a two-year driving ban in Monaco.
