The man cannot be named because he is due to testify against Joseph Rizzo, 42 from Paola, who is being accused of trafficking the drug.

Two men were charged in connection with finds of large quantities of cannabis in Malta and Gozo.

During yesterday’s compilation of evidence prosecuting inspectors, Nadia Lanzon and Maurice Curmi, told the court that the accused had met Joseph Rizzo on 27 July aboard the Gozo ferry. Once in Gozo, they proceeded to go to Joseph Busuttil’s house in Nadur.

The police were suspecting Joseph Rizzo was selling drugs to Mr Busuttil. The two men were arrested on the spot and two-and-a-half kilos of cannabis resin were found in a plastic bag under the passenger seat of the car they were in. The day after their arrest, the accused told police that Mr Rizzo had hidden drugs in a Corradino field.

After an in-depth search, inspector Lanzon said three and a half kilos of cannabis resin was found in a car battery hidden in a rubble wall. “They were very well hidden,” she said.

Both the accused and Mr Rizzo, who is being charged in separate proceedings deny the drugs were theirs.

Inspector Lanzon yesterday also told the court that the accused admitted having a cocaine problem and told police he knew Mr Rizzo because he had been buying drugs from him for the past eight years.

The man is currently being denied bail since he is still due to testify in the case against Mr Rizzo.

Magistrate Anthony Vella presided over the court while Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for the accused.