A 47-year-old Maltese man was arrested by the Carabinieri in Messina after four kilogrammes of cocaine were found in his van, Italian media reported.

The man was stopped just after disembarking from the ferry from Villa San Giovanni. Italian media report that the man raised the suspicions of the military.

A more thorough search of the vehicle revealed a false bottom in the floor of the cargo area, where over 4 kg of cocaine (in blocks and wrappers) and crack were hidden.

11,200 euros in cash and packaging material were also found. The man was transferred to Gazzi prison and the narcotic substance sent to the RIS in Messina for analysis, the reports said.