A man was yesterday charged with conspiring with people in and outside Malta to import cocaine and cannabis into Malta in May 2002 and the preceding five months.

Guzeppi Sacco, 51, from Qrendi, who said he is a taxi driver, was also charged with trafficking and possessing cocaine on 31 July 2003 and the preceding three months.

Before magistrate Silvio Meli, Mr Sacco pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. His request for bail was turned down and he was remanded in custody.

Police Inspectors Norbert Ciappara and Victor Aquilina prosecuted while Dr Joe Giglio appeared for the accused.