Drug trafficking suspect denied bail
Drugs were allegedly being trafficked near Għaxaq playground
A man was charged on Wednesday with drug trafficking near the Għaxaq playground after police noticed him acting suspiciously following an anonymous tip-off.
Alejandro Ciantar, 20, from Qormi, pleaded not guilty to trafficking in synthetic drugs, possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to sell, and dealing drugs close to a place frequented by young people.
Magistrate Abigail Critien heard how, on May 19, police received anonymous information that someone was dealing drugs near the Għaxaq playground, close to the football pitch. Upon arriving at the scene, officers saw Ciantar dressed in black and holding a pouch and a mobile phone. He was acting suspiciously, with several people approaching him briefly before leaving. He was also seen getting in and out of a car.
He was arrested, along with the driver of the vehicle.
Police found 70 sachets of what they believe to be synthetic drugs, 16 sachets of suspected heroin, 22 of crack cocaine, and two of cocaine, as well as €800 in cash.
He was denied bail on arraignment.
Lawyer Daniel Tabone from the Attorney General's Office and Police Inspector John Howard prosecuted, while lawyers Jacob Magri and Arthur Azzopardi represented the accused.