Two Panamian nationals today were charged with importing over 11kg of cocaine between them.
A court heard how Hector Antonio Montenegro Martinez, 20, was arrested upon arrival at the Malta International Airport on Monday. Customs officers found just over 5kg of cocaine in his suitcase.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Munoz, who had also just arrived but had left the airport. The woman was arrested in a hotel in St Julians. Her suitcase also contained over 5kg of the drug.
Before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, they were charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, importing cocaine and cocaine possession in quantities which denoted that it was not for their exclusive personal use. The prosecution also requested a freeze of their assets. The accused pleaded not guilty but did not request bail.
Police Inspectors Nikolai Sant and Jonathan Cassar prosecuted. Lawyer Abigail Bugeja was legal aid to the accused.