A police surveillance operation in Mosta culminated yesterday afternoon in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of approximately 1.3 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine, carrying an estimated street value of 160,000 euros, the police said Friday.

The breakthrough came after days of intense monitoring by police officers targeting a 31-year-old man, who was identified as the primary suspect in an alleged drug trafficking ring. Investigators tracking the suspect noted a pattern of highly suspicious activity, particularly during the late-night hours.

Surveillance teams observed the prime suspect repeatedly leaving a residence on Grognet Street to visit an apartment on Ruzar Briffa Street. This second property was occupied by two other individuals, a 33-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, who are both now in custody.

Following up on these movements, police executed search warrants at both locations. In addition to the substantial cache of cocaine, officers discovered and confiscated a variety of paraphernalia linked to drug distribution, alongside multiple mobile phones and pieces of jewelry.

Magistrate Dr Philip Galea Farrugia has been informed of the operation and has launched an official magisterial inquiry. The three suspects are currently being held at the police lock-up in Floriana and are expected to be formally arraigned in court in the coming days. Police investigators have confirmed that inquiries into the drug trafficking operation are still ongoing.