Three police officers are currently facing drug-related charges after being found in possession of cocaine inside a Paceville club.

Leon Grech, Shawn Brincat and Malcolm Buhagiar were charged earlier this month by writ of summons over alleged drug-trafficking, drug possession as well as having committed a crime they were duty bound to prevent.

Prosecuting inspector Justyne Grech informed the court that police officers entering the crowded toilets of one Paceville establishment had spotted Leon Grech with a suspicious-looking packet in his hands, later discovered to contain cocaine.

The other two co-accused were also in the toilets at the time but had not been arrested since suspicion had fallen solely upon Mr Grech who was holding the packet.

However, in the course of investigations, it was alleged that the drug was intended to be shared between Mr Grech, Mr Brincat and Mr Buhagiar.

The prosecution explained in court that the three officers allegedly occasionally took cocaine and would share the drug among themselves.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras is presiding over the case.

Joseph Giglio, Kathleen Grima, Arthur Azzopardi and Alfred Abela were counsel to the accused.

The case continues.