A jury has found 40-year-old Austin Mallia guilty of associating in drug trafficking and aggravated possession of cannabis, following a two-week trial by jury.

The verdict, delivered by a 7-2 majority on both counts on Monday evening, brought proceedings to a close. Mallia became visibly distressed as the decision was read out, breaking into tears and gripping the bar in front of him while a prison officer loosened his tie.

Mallia had been indicted in connection with cannabis trafficking and aggravated possession of the drug. At the opening of the trial, he had already pleaded guilty to cocaine possession.

Testifying in his own defence, Mallia told jurors that he believed he was transporting household appliances and claimed he had no knowledge that the boxes contained drugs. He stated that had he known what was inside, he would not have carried the items in his van.

Mallia said he had worked as a chef for 27 years and became acquainted with Sicilian national Michele Artale through his brother. He explained that he occasionally carried out removal jobs for Artale using his father's truck.

The prosecution alleged that Mallia and Artale planned to meet a third man, Sandro Lo Presti, and transport cannabis concealed inside white goods. The items were stored at a freight forwarder's warehouse in Ta' Qali.

Police surveillance showed Mallia driving to the area, entering a freight forwarder's yard, and leaving shortly afterwards with a box placed in his van next to a freezer. He then drove to Ħamrun, stopping outside an apartment block where Artale had been earlier.

Shortly after, Lo Presti arrived in a Kia Picanto carrying two similar boxes. Officers intervened as the men began unloading the packages and proceeded to search the apartment. The objects were sealed in their presence and a magisterial inquiry was opened.

Investigators later discovered that cannabis grass was concealed within the white goods found in both vehicles. A court-appointed expert concluded that the drugs weighed approximately 53 kilograms and had a purity level of around 11 per cent.

During closing arguments, prosecutor Godwin Cini highlighted inconsistencies between Mallia's police statement and his court testimony, referring extensively to mobile phone data and CCTV footage.

The trial was presided over by Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera. Mallia was assisted by defence lawyers Joe Giglio and Mattea Giglio.

The prosecution and defence are expected to present submissions on sentencing on Tuesday morning.