Mohammed Abdulla Gilani Gharsalla, 28, from Birzebbuga, is accused of associating himself with people with the intent of trafficking cannabis and being an accomplice in the importation of drugs into Malta.

The bill of indictment claimed that in September 2000 Gharsalla had sent a friend of his, Mohammed Abusetta, to Morocco to bring a suitcase over to Malta. The accused had paid for Abusetta’s plane fare and before leaving for Morocco, Abusetta did not know what the suitcase would contain.

In Morocco, Abusetta collected the suitcase from a man named Adel and this was when he was told that it contained cannabis resin to be sold in Malta.

On 20 September 2000, Abusetta was apprehended by the Drug Squad at the Malta International Airport and a kilo-and-a-half of cannabis resin was found in the false bottom of the suitcase he was carrying. The man claimed the drugs were for someone else. Criminal proceedings have already been taken against Abusetta and he was sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting his crimes.

Police Sergeant Steve Montreal took the stand yesterday and told the court how the connection between Abusetta and Gharsalla was made.

A month after Abusetta was apprehended at the airport, the police searched Gharsalla’s Birzebbugia residence. The accused lived there with a woman after separating from his Maltese wife.

“We found around Lm4,000 stashed in a brief case in the wardrobe,” said PS Montreal. He said they found a photo of Abusetta while leafing through a photo album found in Gharsalla’s residence.

On cross-examination, another witness, inspector Josric Mifsud, said Abusetta never mentioned Gharsalla. He only said the cannabis he was carrying was for someone else.

The case continues this morning when more witnesses will be called to the stand to give evidence.

The court is being presided over by Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono. Dr Anglu Farrugia is appearing for the accused while senior counsel to the Republic Dr Mark Said is leading the prosecution.