A 25-year-old man who the police initially thought was involved in the murder of Ivorian migrant Lassane Cisse Souleymane has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to drugs and weapons charges.

The man, who cannot be named by order of the court, was arraigned before Magistrate Josette Demicoli on Sunday morning.

He was charged with trafficking cannabis, aggravated possession of cocaine and the possession of munitions. The court declared that these were “very serious” accusations.

A Customs Department official was the only witness.

The man pleaded not guilty, with his lawyers requesting bail. The defence pointed out that the man had cooperated fully with the police.

The prosecution said that a joint operation with the Drug Squad intercepted the accused because they thought he might be linked to the Hal Far murder of Lassana Cisse Souleymane. 

The man was granted bail against a deposit of €2,500 and a personal guarantee of €15,000.

Inspectors Kevin Pulis and Mario Sciberras prosecuted.

Gianella de Marco appeared for the accused.