A Portuguese national yesterday pleaded guilty to importing some 78 capsules containing cocaine when he arrived in Malta on Monday.

Iancub a Balde, 24, arrived on board an Alitalia flight from Rome, where he changed over from Brazil. He had admitted his involvement to the police in a statement and clearly told the court he was guilty. “I was unfortunate in this case,” he said.

Iancuba Balde was charged with importing the drug, conspiracy to deal in drugs and possession.

Police inspector Pierre Grech, who prosecuted, said the accused was still recovering in hospital and there may still be some capsules in his stomach.

Legal aid Mark Anthony Mifsud Cutajar, who appeared for the accused, said the man wanted to cooperate in full from the beginning and requested contact with the Portuguese embassy.

The court, presided over by magistrate Anthony Vella, explained the case could not be concluded there and then due to the merits of the case and will continue at a later date.