Man charged with drug trafficking after he was found with 23 packets of cocaine
Aidan Galea was arrested after days of police surveillance
A man has been charged with drug trafficking and aggravated possession after he was found with 23 packets of cocaine following a police surveillance operation.
Aidan Galea, 31, from Birkirkara denied the charges when he appeared before Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella.
He was also charged with driving without a license and insurance.
Inspector John Howard told the court that police had been surveilling Galea for several days.
On June 30th, they saw him park his car in Marsa behind a truck and observed someone from another car make contact with him.
Both were arrested and police found 23 packets of cocaine containing around 20 grammes of the drug, along with digital scales, in Galea's possession.
The arrest was not contested but the defence requested bail, arguing that Galea was in regular employment. His mother also testified that he would live with her if released.
The prosecution objected, arguing there was a risk of evidence being tampered with because another person arrested during the same operation was yet to testify.
Galea was granted bail against a €10,000 deposit and a €20,000 personal guarantee. A freezing order was also imposed.
Inspector John Leigh Howard and lawyer Valentina Cassar prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Edward Gatt appeared as defense for Galea.