A 24-year-old man from Zejtun was yesterday charged with trafficking 10 grammes of heroin.

Aaron Axisa pleaded not guilty to trafficking the heroin on 8 August and the preceding months. He was also charged with being in possession of the drug which was found in circumstances denoting that it was not for his exclusive use.

He was further charged with possession of sharp and pointed instruments without a licence and with relapsing.

The court, presided over by magistrate Anthony Vella, ordered that Mr Axisa be held in custody and issued a provisional probation order.

Police inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono appeared for the defendant.