In December 2013 the National Anti-Doping Commission of Malta has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Simon Aquilina after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance cocaine. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of Malta.
The Athlete argued that there were departures from the International Standard for Testing (IST) due to the Athlete’s samples were not handled in a manner that protected its integrity, identity and security prior to transport from the Doping Control Station.
The National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel dismissed the Athlete’s arguments and decides on 13 March 2014 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 10 December 2013.
