Chef arraigned over €20m drug consignment
146 kilos of cocaine were found on a truck leaving Malta Freeport
Updated 12.04m
Kurt Scicluna, a 31-year old chef from Zejtun, was remanded in custody on Thursday after becoming the third man to be arraigned in connection with the discovery of 146 kilos of cocaine earlier this month.
The cocaine, with a street value of some €20 million, was destined for Malta and was found on a truck being driven out of Malta Freeport.
Scicluna was accused of involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy, promoting the activity, cocaine trafficking as well as money laundering. He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution requested a freezing order over the defendant's assets and the court upheld the request. The man's lawyers did not request bail at arraignment stage.
Magistrate Astrid May Grima, remanded the defendant in custody.
AG lawyers Kevin Valletta and Maria Francesca Spiteri prosecuted together with Inspectors Mark Anthony Mercieca and Lianne Bonello. Lawyers Michael Sciriha and Roberto Spiteri are defence counsel.
Four persons were initially arrested in connection with the case, of whom two were arraigned last week.
The police said on Wednesday that during Scicluna's arrest they seized a 'considerable amount" of cash, luxury cars and jewellery.