A 60-year-old man has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges of trafficking cocaine from his residence in Naxxar.
Maximo Luna Diaz, from the Dominican Republic but holding a Dutch passport, was arraigned after allegedly supplying cocaine from his home to individuals known to law enforcement.
The court heard that in May, the Drug Squad received intelligence indicating that Diaz was trafficking drugs from his Naxxar residence. Officers subsequently placed the property under surveillance and observed several people with criminal records visiting the building.
The prosecution also added that Diaz was seen entering and leaving the residence on a number of occasions during the hours outside of a court-imposed curfew. He is currently out on bail in separate criminal proceedings.
When officers moved in to arrest him, they allegedly found two sachets of cocaine in his pocket. A search of the residence led to the discovery of four more sachets, as well as two pink and two white sachets containing a substance suspected to be a new psychoactive drug. Investigators also seized a weighing scale bearing traces of a white substance believed to be an illicit drug.
Diaz pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested bail.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the investigation is still ongoing and that there is a risk of interference with evidence. It also told the court that Diaz has limited ties to Malta and that further arrests in connection with the case are expected.
The defence argued the accused has lived in Malta for the past three years, is employed by a cleaning company and is expecting a child with his partner.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court rejected the bail request, remanded Diaz in custody and issued a freezing order over his assets.
The prosecution was led by Inspector Nico Zarb, assisted by lawyer Valentina Cassar on behalf of the Attorney General.
Lawyer Martin Herrera appeared for the defence. Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the sitting.