The 21-year-old son of convicted murderer George Degiorgio was released on bail on Saturday afternoon after being arraigned on multiple drug trafficking and money laundering charges.  

Jaden Degiorgio was charged with the aggravated possession of heroin and cocaine after being found possessing the drugs in circumstances not intended for his personal use.

He was also accused of trafficking and importing both heroin and cocaine, as well as associating with others for the purpose of selling and trafficking the two substances. Degiorgio also stands accused of committing several acts of money laundering. 

Police Inspector John-Leigh Howard told the court that the investigation began on 24 September, when police arrested two individuals in Mellieħa, including the accused.

As investigations progressed, another individual was arraigned in connection with the case while police continued investigating Degiorgio. Degorgio was subsequently released on police bail twice.

Howard explained that further investigations revealed links between Degiorgio and a garage in Żurrieq, where police discovered approximately 27kg of suspected drugs, comprising of around 20kg of heroin and 7.7kg of cocaine. Degiorgio was subsequently arrested again in connection with the discovery.

During one operation, police investigations led officers to a garage in Żurrieq rented by a 49-year-old man previously arrested in connection with suspected heroin possession. Inside the garage, officers discovered concealed wooden compartments containing approximately 20.7kg of suspected heroin and 7.7kg of suspected cocaine.

The prosecution confirmed that Degiorgio had reported for an extension of his police bail without any difficulties and had subsequently been taken to the police lock-up. The inspector confirmed that Degiorgio had cooperated with the police.

The validity of his arrest was not contested.

Degiorgio, who told the court that he was self-employed and residing in Mosta, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Defence lawyer Nicholas Mifsud requested bail. 

The grandfather of Degiorgio's girlfriend, took the witness stand and offered to act as a third-party guarantor for the accused. The man, who owns the property in Mosta where Degiorgio currently resides, confirmed that he was willing to assume the responsibility of acting as guarantor.

Magistrate Lara Lanfranco warned him of the risks and responsibilities involved in undertaking such a role. The man confirmed that he understood the implications and was fully aware of the charges Degiorgio was facing. He remained willing to act as his guarantor.

Degiorgio's godmother also took the witness stand and offered to act as a third-party guarantor. She told the court that she had known Degiorgio since birth and that he had grown up with her. Expressing her willingness to support the accused, she told the court that she was prepared to "give up any amount for him."

The prosecution objected to Degiorgio's request for bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the substantial quantities of drugs involved, namely approximately 20kg of heroin and 7.7kg of cocaine.

It further emphasised the fact that if such quantities reached the streets, they could have caused considerable harm to society, also pointing out that numerous witnesses had yet to testify and that police investigations were still ongoing.

The defence rebutted that the seriousness of the charges could not justify denying bail,  arguing that the gravity of the allegations would remain unchanged.

Addressing concerns over potential interference with witnesses, the defence argued that the court could impose strict bail conditions prohibiting Degiorgio from approaching or contacting prosecution witnesses.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Mifsud further pointed out that Degiorgio had been granted police bail twice and that he voluntarily reported to the police station as required.

Mifsud argued that Degiorgio had spent almost two weeks at liberty under police bail, without being subjected to a curfew or signing requirements. He further argued that he spent approximately 15 days in society without such restrictions and so there was no reason why he could not now be granted court bail subject to significantly stricter conditions. 

The defence then drew attention to the two individuals who had voluntarily come forward to act as third-party guarantors and were willing to assume responsibility for the accused. The lawyer also pointed to the accused's strong family support structure surrounding him, which could further help ensure his compliance with any bail conditions imposed by the court.

It was also noted that Degiorgio had a clean criminal conduct. 

As the court announced that Degiorgio would be granted bail, members of his family burst into tears. Magistrate Lara Lanfranco warned Degiorgio to take his responsibilities seriously and strictly abide by the conditions imposed, stressing that any breach could have serious consequences.

Degiorgio was granted bail against a €30,000 deposit, including a €20,000 third-party guarantee provided by his girlfriend's grandfather, alongside a €50,000 personal guarantee. He was also ordered to sign the bail book twice daily. 

The defence also requested a ban on the publication of names but the court turned down the request.

Police inspectors John-Leigh Howard and Jonathan Pace prosecuted, together with Attorney General lawyer Maria Francesca Spiteri.

Defence lawyers Nicholas Mifsud and Leslie Cuschieri appeared for Degiorgio.

Magistrate Lara Lanfranco presided over the arraignment.