Updated 1.45pm

A man has been charged with a string of cannabis offences after Customs authorities intercepted three boxes containing around 18,000 cigarettes containing the drug. 

Marc Paul Bradley Crimeni, a 62-year old Canadian-born company director living in Malta, was charged over alleged importation, trafficking and aggravated possession of cannabis after the anti-drug squad were alerted to the boxes on Friday.

The cigarettes they contained turned out to be filled with cannabis and further searches at his Swieqi home led to the discovery of other products containing cannabis extracts, as well as more cigarettes similar to those that arrived by post. 

The alleged importer pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. 

His lawyer, Renè Darmanin, explained that the accused traded non-nicotine cigarettes and had sent for the products as samples. He had told Customs authorities beforehand about product specifications and also discussed the excise duty to be paid on them, his lawyer argued. 

Prosecutors strongly opposed a request for bail, arguing that 18,000 cigarettes were not “samples” and that there was a fear that Crimeni would abscond, given his foreign ties. 

Investigations were still ongoing, prosecuting inspector Justine Grech also argued. 

Photo: Malta Police Force

The man’s lawyer rebutted that the police should have investigated further rather than arraign the suspect under arrest. As for the accused’s silence under interrogation, that was a fundamental right, the lawyer argued. 

After hearing submissions by both parties the court, presided over by magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, upheld the request, barring the accused from approaching any prosecution witnesses.

He must sign a bail book three times weekly, abide by a curfew between midnight and 7:00 am, deposit €10,000 and offer security by means of a €20,000 personal guarantee. 

The court upheld a request for a freezing order upon all assets of the accused, save for an annual statutory allowance of €13,976. 

Inspectors Alfredo Mangion and Justine Grech prosecuted. 
Lawyers Alfred Abela and Renè Darmanin were defence counsel.