In April 2016 the National Anti-Doping Commission of Malta has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Ishmael Grech after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance cocaine. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete was heard for the National Anti-Doping Panel of Malta.
The Athlete admitted the violation and stated that the substance was used two days before the competition when he was out for drinks with his friends. He asserted that after some amounts of alcohol he had used cocaine without intention to enhance his performance.
The Panel accepts the Athlete’s explanation and that the violation wasn’t intentional. Considering the circumstances the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel decides on 27 July 2016 to impose a 1 year and 3 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 29 April 2016.
