Five people have been taken into police custody following a targeted law enforcement operation into alleged drug trafficking in St Paul's Bay, the police said Wednesday.

The operation commenced on Monday evening when police officers acting on intelligence raided an apartment in the locality. Upon entering the premises, officers arrested four individuals on site, including one suspect who attempted to flee before being swiftly apprehended. The suspects detained during the initial raid include a 25-year-old man, two 20-year-old men, and a 16-year-old girl.

A thorough search of the property yielded approximately 150 sachets containing substances suspected to be heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. Officers also seized around €5,000 in cash alongside several mobile phones believed to be connected to the operation.

Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of a fifth suspect, a 27-year-old woman, on Tuesday.

A magisterial inquiry has been opened by Magistrate Dr. Renata Farrugia LL.D., who has appointed several court experts to assist with the ongoing investigation. Police inquiries remain active.