Construction worker denied bail after police intercept cocaine shipment

A 40-year-old Welsh construction worker has been remanded in custody after being charged in connection with the importation of approximately one kilogram of cocaine delivered to Malta from France.

Simon Douglas Roberts, a UK national residing in St Paul's Bay, appeared before in court on Friday morning following a targeted police operation.

The court heard that on 26 August 2026, authorities intercepted a suspicious postal package originating from France that was addressed to the accused. Upon inspection, officers discovered a white block of suspected cocaine weighing around one kilogram, with an estimated street value of €100,000. The parcel also bore a local mobile phone number.

On 27 August, drug squad officers executed a controlled delivery operation. Police placed a call to the mobile number listed on the package, prompting Roberts to come down to collect the delivery, where he was immediately arrested by investigating officers.

The defence did not contest the validity of the arrest. 

Roberts was arraigned on five separate charges, including drug conspiracy, importing or causing the importation of dangerous drugs into Malta, and possession of cocaine under circumstances indicating it was not intended for his exclusive personal use. He was further charged with offering or procuring dangerous drugs without legal authorisation, as well as breaching previous court-imposed bail conditions.

In 2015, Roberts was charged on similar charges after he was allegedly in possession of one kilogram of cannabis.

The accused entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. 

With no request for bail submitted by the defense at this stage, the prosecution asked the court to issue a comprehensive freezing order on all of the defendant's mobile and immobile property, alongside the forfeiture of the illicit drugs and any criminal proceeds. Roberts remains in custody at the Corradino Correctional Facility as proceedings continue.

The court prosecution is being led by Inspector Jonathan Pace alongside Daniel Tabone from the Attorney General’s Office. 

This case was presided over by Magistrate Ingrid Bianco

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