Homeless man charged with drug trafficking remanded in custody

A homeless man pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges and was remanded in custody after bail was not requested

The accused was charged with the possession and trafficking of heroin, aggravated possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and breaching a suspended sentence
The accused was charged with the possession and trafficking of heroin, aggravated possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and breaching a suspended sentence

A man has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a number of drug-related charges in court today.

Michael Portelli, 34, of no fixed address, was charged with the possession and trafficking of heroin, aggravated possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and breaching a suspended sentence. No details as to the circumstances of his arrest emerged in court today.

The slightly-built accused, who appeared wracked by anguish as he stood in the dock, pleaded not guilty. They were his only words in the sitting.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech ordered Portelli be remanded in custody. Bail was not requested.

Inspector Gabriel Micallef prosecuted. Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi was defence counsel.