Mark Dominic Vella, a British man who lives in Saint Paul's Bay was arraigned before Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras and charged with drug trafficking.

The 53-year-old man stands accused of trafficking 12kg of heroin and 6 kg cocaine. The drug was hidden inside the chassis of the truck he was driving from Sicily to Malta. 

Testifying in court, Inspector Kevin Pulis explained how a police dog led the authorities to the hidden substance. 

Pulis told the court that the police had been carrying out routine checks in Valletta waterfront. The police's canine unit alerted the officers of the hidden substance inside the Mazda van. At first, initial searches proved unsuccessful. However, the police dogs showed particular interest into this van and the police decided to inspect further by dismantling the van. 

Vella stood accused with importation of cocaine and heroin and for being in possession of the said drugs. He is also charged with using an unlicensed numberplate for his van. 

The accused, originally from Manchester, remained silent throughout the whole proceeding. His silence was listed as a not guilty plea. No request for bail was made at this stage. 

Arthur Azzopardi defended the accused. Case to continue on Tuesday.