Man granted bail after police seize 120g of heroin
Suspect arrested in Luqa after police surveillance; searches later uncovered thousands of euros in cash.
A 49-year-old man has been granted bail after allegedly being caught in possession of 120 grams of heroin.
The police launched an investigation after receiving intelligence about the accused Michael Ellul and incidence of drug trafficking targeting local users. Following surveillance and verification checks, officers noted that the suspect, who is unemployed, was frequently in contact with individuals well-known to the police for drug-related offenses.
During the surveillance operation, the accused was observed entering an alley in Triq Ħal Farruġ in Luqa, staying for only a few minutes before leaving. He was also seen interacting with various individuals notorious for drug abuse and trafficking.
The accused was arrested on June 16 in the same alley in Luqa. Upon searching him, police discovered 20 grams of heroin in a bag inside his trousers pocket and five additional bags containing a combined total of 100 grams of heroin.
During his interrogation, the suspect answered several questions but refused to give any detail regarding the drug trafficking. Subsequent police searches conducted at two residences in Għaxaq and Tarxien yielded approximately €19,000 in cash, which was seized by authorities.
He was charged with aggravated possession and drug trafficking on Thursday.
Appearing before Magistrate Lara Lanfranco, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defense requested bail, arguing that the accused has a clean criminal record, fully cooperated with the police, and that the number of drugs found was minimal.
Despite the prosecution's objections, the court granted bail under strict conditions against a deposit of €5,000 and a €15,000 personal guarantee. He was also given a curfew between 8pm and 6am, and must sign the bail book twice a day.
The prosecution was led by Inspector Francesco Mizzi, assisted by Lawyer Julian Scicluna on behalf of the Attorney General’s Office.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri, and Fleur Abela appeared for the accused.