Woman pleads not guilty to trafficking cocaine and heroin

A woman pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking cocaine and heroin after a drug squad raid on her apartment revealed 60 capsules containing a substance suspected of being cocaine and 15 capsules of a substance suspected of being heroin.

The woman, who cannot be named by court order, was also charged with committing offences during the operative period of a probation order and recidivism.

The court heard that the woman handed over sachets containing the suspected illicit substances during the said raid. She was subsequently arrested and taken to Mater Dei hospital after requesting medical assistance.

It was confirmed that she fully cooperated with authorities.

The validity of the arrest was not contested. Defence lawyer Jose Herrera told the court that at this stage, his client would be registering a not guilty plea.

A request was also made for a Court recommendation to the effect that the accused is kept at the forensic unit at Mount Carmel Hospital. This was upheld.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Gabria Gatt alongside AG lawyer Julian Scicluna.

Lawyer Jose Herrera assisted the accused.