Man charged with conspiring to traffic 18 kilos of cannabis

32-year-old man granted bail after pleading not guilty to conspiring to trafficking 18 kilograms of cannabis grass.

Angel Attard, a 32-year-old man from Gzira was today granted bail after he pleaded not guilty to conspiring to trafficking 18 kilograms of cannabis grass.

The court heard that the drugs, which were brought to Malta from Sicily, were found in the basement of a garage in Sliema. Sources said that after receiving a tip-off, drug squad personnel conducted a controlled delivery of the drugs that eventually led them to the accused.

The drugs were subsequently seized and four people, including the accused, were arrested.

Standing in court today, the accused also pleaded not guilty to being in possession of cannabis that denoted that it was not for his personal use and of being in possession of cannabis resin and ecstasy.

Another two people - a 37-year-old from Sliema and a 41-year-old Briton residing in Msida – were arraigned on the same charges yesterday but their hearing was held behind closed doors. Moreover, the court ordered that their names be banned.

The Briton was remanded in custody due to fear of absconding, while the 37-year-old from Sliema was granted bail against a deposit of €10,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000.

In submissions for bail, defence lawyer Gianella de Marco told the court that Attard is still presumed to be innocent and argued that another man implicated in the same crime was yesterday granted bail.

On its part, the prosecution, led by inspector Herman Mula, objected to bail due to the fear of the accused tampering with evidence.

The court presided by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted the accused bail against a deposit of €10,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000. 

Lawyer Gianella de Marco was defence counsel, while Inspector Herman Mula prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri are appearing the other accused.