A 30-year-old man residing in Xagħra, Gozo, was arrested after being found in possession of 300 grams of a substance allegedly identified as cocaine, with a market value exceeding €30,000.

The man was arrested on Thursday while the police were conducting inspections in Triq ix-Xatt, Għajnsielem, at 3:00 PM. The man, who had just disembarked from a ferry at the Mġarr Harbour, started acting suspiciously upon noticing the police, a police statement read. Consequently, the officers approached him, and during a search, the police found a plastic packet wrapped in brown tape containing a white substance, suspected to be cocaine, in a pouch tied around his waist, the police said.

The man was immediately arrested and taken to the police station for questioning before being transferred to the Police lock-up in Rabat, Gozo. Magistrate Brigitte Sultana was informed of the case and opened a Magisterial Inquiry.

On Friday, the man was brought before the Gozo Court, presided over by Magistrate Simone Grech, where he was charged with drug possession and trafficking, the polic esaid. "He pleaded not guilty to the charges but was remanded in custody at the Kordin Correctional Facility. Police investigations are still ongoing."