A 30-year-old Libyan who had just landed at Malta International Airport from Tripoli, Libya on Tuesday afternoon, was found to be in possession of three kilogrammes of heroin, the police said.

The Libyan was being searched by the anti drugs police and Customs officials with other passengers who had arrived with him. He was seen acting suspiciously and his bag was searched.

An X-ray machine indicated a large suspicious package hidden in a false bottom and when analysed the package was found to contain about three kilogrammes of heroin.

Duty Magistrate Giovanni Grixti is holding an inquiry.

The police said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in court in the coming days.