A 25-year-old Colombian national has been remanded in custody after being arraigned in court on a series of drug trafficking and dangerous driving charges.

Alejandro Israel Dioscoro Parada Mendez appeared before duty Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace on Thursday, facing charges of possession of cocaine under circumstances denoting it was not intended for his exclusive personal use, as well as unauthorised possession of amphetamine.

The prosecution further aggravated the drug charges, alleging that the offences took place within 100 meters of a location where young people routinely gather.

In addition to the drug charges, Parada Mendez was accused of driving a motor vehicle recklessly and dangerously, as well as operating or being in control of a vehicle while unfit due to the effects of drug consumption.

On 23 September, police officers were carrying out a routine patrol in St. Julian's, whereby they intercepted Parada Mendez after observing him driving without a number-plate.

A drug test administered at the scene allegedly came back positive for both cocaine and amphetamines.

A search of the vehicle allegedly yielded ten grams of cocaine divided into 16 individual sachets.

Officers also found two grams of amphetamine on his person, which the accused claimed were intended strictly for his personal use.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the arraignment, the defence submitted a request for bail. The prosecution objected to the release of the accused, pointing out that Parada Mendez has no ties to Malta.

Countering the prosecution's objections, the defence argued that the accused had fully cooperated with law enforcement officers throughout the investigation and emphasised that all of his identification and travel documents were already in the possession of the police.

The defence also contended that the man may reside with his girlfriend if bail is granted. Subsequently, bail was denied for the accused.

AG lawyer Valentina Cassar and Inspector Pierguido Saliba led the prosecution.

Lawyers Noel Bianco and Adreano Farrugia appeared for the accused.