A Moroccan-born woman yesterday pleaded not guilty to importing 1.5 kilogrammes of heroin and conspiring to traffic the drug on 12 May this year and the previous month.

Khallouf Fatiha, 32, residing in Msida, was apprehended at the Malta International Airport as she disembarked from a flight arriving from Tunis. A flat package containing what was subsequently found to be 1.5 kilogrammes of heroin was found in her suitcase as it was being x-rayed.

The woman, who is a Maltese citizen, was accused of importing heroin, conspiring to traffic drugs and possession of heroin in circumstances suggesting it was not for her personal use.

She pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Defence attorney Renzo Porsella Flores asked for his client to be released on bail. He explained that although she has no financial means, she has a permanent residence and is currently fighting for the custody of her son.

In view of the objections raised by prosecuting inspector Nezren Grixti, presiding magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima refused the request and ordered Ms Fatiha to be remanded in custody.