Man charged following San Ġwann drug bust
Police seized a Mercedes A-Class and an Audi Q5
One of the two people who were arrested in San Ġwann on suspicion of drug trafficking and money laundering earlier this week was arraigned in court.
Justin Zahra, 38, of San Ġwann pleaded not guilty to trafficking in heroin, the possession of the drug in circumstances denoting it was not for his personal use and money laundering.
In a statement, the police said the arrests followed “intensive investigations and continuous surveillance” related to all forms of abuse and illegal activity.
The accused and another suspect were stopped while driving through Naxxar Road in San Ġwann on Wednesday at around 1.45pm.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 31 packets containing a substance suspected to be heroin, with an estimated street value exceeding €2,500.
Officers also found around €6,000 in cash. Further searches were carried out at the suspects’ residence, where police seized a number of luxury items as well as several vehicles, including a Mercedes A-Class and an Audi Q5.
During the arraignment, Lawyer Edward Gatt requested bail.
The prosecution objected on various grounds, including that the police were investigating third parties potentially involved in the case and were reviewing Revolut transactions and WhatsApp messages.
The transaction amounts are “not small”, the officers said.
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit issued a freezing order on the assets of the accused.
She granted him bail against a €2,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of €15,000.
Attorney General lawyer Daniel Tabone prosecuted with Inspector John Howard.