A 62-year-old man was yesterday charged with trying to smuggle half a kilogramme of heroin on Wednesday, as well as conspiring to deal in drugs and heroin possession.

Emanuel Scerri, from Valletta, pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to deal in drugs, drug trafficking and heroin possession. He also pleaded not guilty to relapsing in view of previous convictions. The court, presided over by Magistrate Miriam Hayman, ordered the accused to be remanded in custody.

The man was arrested on Wednesday at the Malta International Airport after members of the Drugs Squad and customs officers found 226 grammes of heroin hidden in the heel of one shoe and 271grammes hidden in the other. He had just flown in from Rome after visiting Istanbul.

Police Inspector Victor Aquilina prosecuted while Dr José Herrera and Dr Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.