Two men arraigned over 500g cocaine seizure in Qala

Two men were arraigned and remanded in custody in connection with a drug trafficking police operation in Gozo.

Adam Angelo Falzon, 47, an Australian-born self-employed mechanic who lives in Qala, and Aaron Atzori, 23, from Victoria, appeared before a Gozo Court.

Drug Squad officers had been monitoring a Qala apartment after noticing what they considered to be an unusually high number of people going in and out.

When police raided the property, they found several people inside, including Falzon, who owns the apartment. A search uncovered 500g of cocaine.

Two people found at the residence later alleged that Falzon had sold them drugs.

Atzori was arrested nearby after police allegedly saw him trying to dispose of a substance suspected to be a controlled drug. Investigators allege he regularly went there to buy drugs.

They were both charged with drug trafficking, aggravated possession and drug conspiracy.

Both men denied all charges.

Falzon’s lawyers sought bail, arguing that witnesses have released sworn statements before a magistrate and that any prospective witnesses which the prosecution intend to produce are either unknown to the both accused and have not yet been spoken to by the Police.

They also pointed to Falzon’s unblemished criminal record and steady work as a self-employed mechanic.

Atzori’s lawyers also requested bail, arguing that only 3g of white substance was found in his possession and nothing else was found in his home.

The court rejected both bail requests.

The prosecution was led by Attorney General lawyer Julian Scicluna together with Inspectors Francesco Mizzi, Keith Xerri and Mario Xiberras.

Falzon was represented by lawyers Jacob Magri, Roberto Monalto and Arthur Azzopardi. Lawyers Jose Herrera, Naomi Spiteri and Joseph Grech appeared for Atzori.

Magistrate Jean Paul Grech presided over the Gozo Court.