Melvin Cini, 26, from Zurrieq has been charged with drug trafficking after he was found with 150g of cannabis, 110g of cocaine, 110g of heroin and 100 ecstasy pills.

The accused was arrested on 19 January at around 11.30am, after the police were tipped off that unidentified persons were trafficking narcotics out of a car in Zurrieq. Upon investigation, the accused was found entering the vehicle, with the keys in his possession. It transpired that the car however was not registered under his name.

The charges brought forward against the accused observe that the circumstances surrounding the case, and the quantities of the drugs found would suggest that they were not for personal consumption.

In view of this, the prosecution objected to bail as investigations into other persons connected with the case are ongoing.

Mr Cini pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him, while lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia put forward a request for bail. Prosecuting Inspector Frankie Tabone objected to this on the grounds that the accused could hamper investigations by tipping off others involved.

Dr Debono protested to this, stating that if the courts impose strict bail conditions this should not be the case and stressed that ongoing investigations should not infringe on the accused’s rights.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo, presiding over the case, ruled in favour of the prosecution, adding that investigations should be concluded at the earliest.

 

In addition to this, due to the nature of the charges a freezing order was issued against Mr Cini’s assets.