Man arrested with cocaine was on fourth concurrent bail, court hears

A man has been denied bail after being arraigned this morning on cocaine-related charges

A man who in the past was involved in several crimes has been denied bail after being arraigned this morning on cocaine-related charges.

Juanito Jimenez, 27, from Hamrun, was arraigned before magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras by Inspector Alfredo Mangion, accused of possession of cocaine with intent to traffic, possession of cannabis grass and breaching bail conditions imposed in November 2018, as well as May, July and December 2020. He was also accused of recidivism.

Inspector Mangion told the court that the police had received information that a drug deal was going to take place at an undisclosed location.

The police had approached two vehicles, but one vehicle managed to slip away. The accused was found in the other vehicle, a Mitsubishi Pajero.

Inside the vehicle, police found three sachets - all containing what the police believed was cocaine, and the accused was arrested.

The accused was also found to be carrying some €4,600 in cash.

Jimenez faces a total of over €46,000 in bail bonds that will be liable to be paid upon conviction. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bail was not requested at this stage.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia were defence counsel.