A former security officer was arraigned in court this morning charged with trafficking cocaine in a Paceville establishment on New Year's Eve.

Mark Allison, a 39-year-old Maltese citizen who was born in the UK, was one of 26 people arrested for drug-related offences on the night.

The accused, who is currently unemployed, pleaded not guilty to trafficking 20 grams of cocaine and possessing cocaine within 100-metres of a place frequented by youths.

Prosecuting officer Herman Mula told the court that the accused collaborated with the police, admitting that he had been trafficking drugs since November.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard how the accused was given police bail while the police investigated to ensure he had not been trafficking drugs for a longer period of time.

Insp. Mula argued that the worst aspect of the crime was that it took place in a location frequented by youngsters.

The accused admitted to having a drug habit, Insp. Mula continued, advising against him being granted bail since he feared he would commit another crime.

Lawyer Alessandro Lia told the court that the last time the accused had brushed with the law was in 1999. Despite being born in the UK, the accused had been living in Malta since the age of three.

Moreover, the accused had also worked as a security officer and had assisted the police in their investigations numerous times.

The court granted him bail and prohibited from approaching Paceville.