Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546219
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 19 AUGUST 2026 NEWS Man gets 15-year prison sentence, €15,000 fine after admitting to high-level drug conspiracy ITALIAN national Santo Arena has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay a €15,000 fine following a guilty plea to high-level drug conspiracy and possession charges. The judgment was delivered on 17 August 2026, by Mr. Justice Dr. Neville Camilleri in the Criminal Court. The charges stem from an inves- tigation into drug operations oc- curring on 23 June 2023, and the preceding weeks. Arena faced two primary charg- es brought by the Attorney Gen- eral, starting with an association charge for conspiring with in- dividuals in Malta or abroad to traffic and sell cannabis, as well as organising or financing the illegal ring under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Additionally, he was charged with aggravated drug possession after being caught with the can- nabis plant without authorisation from health authorities, under circumstances proving the drugs were not intended for his personal use. The case reached its conclusion following a joint application filed by the prosecution and defence on 23 July 2026. The agreement for- mally incorporated an article from the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, which grants a two-degree re- duction in sentence for providing information or assistance to law enforcement. Appearing in court alongside an interpreter, Arena confirmed his admission of guilt after being given time by the judge to recon- sider his plea. Arena declared he understood the legal ramifications and agreed to the negotiated pun- ishment. In determining the final sen- tence, the court weighed the grav- ity of the offenses against Arena's clean criminal record and the fact that a full trial by jury was avoided, saving the court significant time and expenses. Beyond the prison sentence and fine, Arena was ordered to pay €10,569.48, representing half of the total court expert costs of €21,138.96, within two years. Non-payment will result in an ad- ditional prison sentence. Mr. Justice Camilleri also or- dered the forfeiture of all money and real estate belonging to Arena in favour of the Government of Malta, alongside the destruction of all physical drug evidence. MIKELA CASOLANI mcasolani@mediatoday.com.mt Court building in Valletta (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)