Updated 7.10pm, adds arraignment

A 22-year-old man was on Sunday denied bail after he pleaded not guilty to drug possession and trafficking.

Justin Mallia, of Cospicua, was arrested by the police on Sunday following weeks of observation.

He was charged with the possession and trafficking of cannabis and cocaine, trafficking of cannabis, driving without an insurance policy, and with being a relapser.

The police had said earlier the accused was on Sunday stopped by officers from the Drug Squad and the Rapid Intervention Unit while driving a car in Triq il-Baċir, Cospicua.

He was found carrying what the police suspected was heroin and cocaine ready for trafficking. The police also found cash.

The man was arrested and taken to the police lockup at the General Headquarters.

An inquiry is being held.

During his arraignment, Inspector Justine Grech said 60 sachets of the drugs were found.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeo Cachia requested bail saying their client was willing to adhere to any conditions set by the court, he was still to be presumed innocent, he had cooperated with the police, was ready to submit to bail supervision through a probation officer and his mother, who was present for the hearing, was willing to act as a third-party guarantor.

Inspector Grech objected saying because of the gravity of the charges, civilian witnesses still needed to testify, and he was a repeat offender.

The court, presided over by magistrate Marsanne Farrugia, refused bail on grounds of the gravity of the offence and the accused's lack of trustworthiness. The court noted that, until a year ago, the accused had been under a supervision order and a few months later was found guilty of theft.