A court was told today how policemen on Saturday followed a suspected drugs courier from the airport to his hotel, where they arrested him and later also arrested an alleged Maltese accomplice during a controlled delivery.

Paul Peter Pietka, a 31-year-old German, flew in from Eindhoven on Saturday afternoon and was followed to his hotel, where he was arrested while in possession of 61 capsules of cocaine.

The German this morning pleaded guilty to importing and being in  possession of the drug, which was not for his personal use.

Also arraigned today was Kevin Grima, 36 of Sta Venera, who, the police said, was arrested at the hotel on Sunday when he called for the drug. He was allegedly carrying €7,000 in cash.

Mr Grima pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to import drugs and relapsing.

Both men have been remanded in custody.

SUDANESE ARRESTED AFTER A STRUGGLE

Also arrested this morning was Adil Hasan Muhammed, a Sundanese plasterer, who was also accused of drug trafficking.

The police said he was arrested in Paceville yesterday after a struggle during which officers had to use pepper spray to subdue him.

Prosecutors said the man had been monitored by hours by policemen. When he realised that he was about to be arrested, he threw away several sachets containing drugs 5.6 grams of cannabis. He was carrying €675 when he was arrested. 

The accused was also held in remand.

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