Man charged with robbing pharmacies at gunpoint

UK-born Balzan resident Stephen Falzon has denied robbing two pharmacies at gunpoint, one of them yesterday.

Falzon, 42, was arrested in connection with a hold up at a pharmacy in Naxxar that occurred early yesterday afternoon. According to media reports, two armed and hooded men had stormed into Reed's Pharmacy in Naxxar and demanded the cashier hand over the contents of the till.

Three people are reported to have been inside the pharmacy at the time of the robbery - two sales assistants and a customer. No injuries were reported.

Police investigations are thought to have linked Falzon to another armed robbery of a pharmacy - this time in Iklin, which took place last February.

In total, police accused Falzon of having made off with at least €4,600 in cash as a result of the hold-ups. 

Before magistrate Monica Vella this morning, Falzon, who said he was unemployed, pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated theft, detaining persons against their will, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm without a licence. Falzon was also charged with causing persons to fear violence would be used against them and with relapsing.

Lawyer Christopher Chircop, defending the accused, entered a not guilty plea. Bail was not requested.

Police inspectors Carlos Cordina, James Grech and Elton Taliana prosecuted.

It is not known whether other persons are to be charged in connection with the robberies is not known.