Updated 12.10pm

A 24-year-old man from Senglea who works in a scrapyard on Sunday pleaded not guilty to the possession of cocaine, heroin and cannabis intended for trafficking.

He was one of two men arrested by the police between Friday and Saturday.

In submissions for bail, defence lawyers Franco Debono and Yanica Bugeja argued that the accused was to be presumed innocent and could eventually benefit from provisions relating to the Drug Court where no effective imprisonment was inflicted.

They argued that the accused was willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the Court, including bail supervision. 

But prosecuting inspector Kevin Pulis said the charges were very serious and civilian witnesses still had to testify. 

He pointed out that during a search in the accused’s residence, the police found 24 packets of what they suspect is cocaine, 13 packets of what they suspect is heroin, a block of what they suspect is cannabis resin, several items related to drug trafficking and abuse as well as a substantial amount of cash.

The amount of drugs found, he said, amounted to what was usually found in a whole village.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli refused bail due to the fact that civilian witnesses still had to testify and because of the gravity of the case.

The police said earlier the 24-year-old was arrested together with a 16-year-old.

The younger man was carrying cannabis and other items related to drug abuse. He is expected to be charged at the Justice Tribunal at a future date.