A Sicilian construction worker has been remanded in custody this morning after he was charged with trafficking 200kg of cannabis.
Francesco Pisano, 41, from Syracuse, appeared before magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, accused of conspiracy to traffic cannabis resin, conspiracy in the importation of the drugs and aggravated possession.
Prosecuting police Inpectors Frank Anthony Tabone and Anthony Scerri told the court that on 26 July, his officers had arrested the accused after 90kg cannabis resin found in his truck, which was also carrying melos and water melons. The boxes he was carrying in the container had around 110 kg more.
The court was asked to order him to suffer costs and to seize all his funds and property.
Pisano pleaded not guilty.
Lawyer Mario Spiteri Bianchi said he would not be requesting bail at this stage.
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A second man has been charged with conspiracy and complicity in the importation of drugs after police made the massive 200kg cannabis haul on Thursday.
Inspector Frank Anthony Tabone told magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras how Dennis Agius had been arrested in connection with a controlled delivery of the drugs which were concealed in a consignment of melons and watermelons.
The accused had been observed waiting for the consignment at a garage in Luqa which was still under construction. The accused was arrested as the drugs were being unloaded.
Agius, a 28- year-old project manager from San Gwann was charged with conspiracy to import the drugs. He was also charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The court was asked to order him to suffer costs and to seize all his funds and property
His lawyers, Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia entered a not guilty plea on the man’s behalf. Bail was not requested.