Cab driver pleads not guilty to dealing cocaine
He was spotted acting suspiciously in Paceville
A 29-year-old cab driver has pleaded not guilty to dealing cocaine in Paceville.
Abdiaziz Idris Du’Ale, a Somali national living in St Paul’s Bay was accused of being in possession of cocaine in circumstances that denoted it was not for personal use. The alleged offence was committed within 100 metres of a club frequented by youths.
The man was spotted by officers from the Drug Squad in Paceville dealing “something” to third parties, according to the prosecution. It claimed that when he sensed the police presence he threw away what later turned out to be sachets with white powder believed to be cocaine.
Du’Ale was arrested and a car key was found. He refused to tell the police where he had parked his car, the prosecution told the court. The police continued to investigate, and the car was found later during the day in the area where he had been arrested. Inside the car, the police found a bag of white powder and new sealable bags.
Lawyer Franco Debono requested bail. The prosecution objected on the grounds that the accused had no ties to Malta, there were civilian witnesses yet to testify and he could tamper with the evidence.
Debono countered that the man has been in Malta for over a decade and was caught with less than 10g of drugs. Moreover, he had no previous convictions. The court rejected the request and the accused was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil presided. AG lawyer Nadia Ciappara prosecuted assisted by police inspector Mark Anthony Mercieca. Lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit appeared for the accused.