A Libyan seaman yesterday pleaded not guilty to the charges of possession of 94 cartons of cigarettes, without paying excise duty and VAT.

Anwar Mohamed Biri, 35, was charged, before presiding magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, of being in possession of a total of 94 cartons of cigarettes, without having paid excise duty and VAT worth €10,771, on Sunday at Gun Wharf.

Magistrate Padovani denied Biri’s request for bail and he was remanded in custody.

Police inspector Angelo Gafa’ prosecuted, while Dr Franco Debono and Dr Marion Camilleri appeared for the man.