Man caught smuggling cannabis arraigned in court

A Nigerian man has been remanded in custody after he appeared in court charged with attempting to import cannabis

Eshiemokhai Yakubu Okhiulu, 30, residing in Agrigento, Sicily, was arrested after he was found to be in possession of 640g of cannabis, upon his arrival by catamaran on Monday. The drugs were reportedly hidden in food to confuse police dogs.

He appeared before magistrate Anthony Vella accused of conspiracy to import cannabis grass, importation of cannabis grass and being in possession of cannabis, in circumstances denoting that it was not intended for his personal use.

Inspector Nikolai Sant, prosecuting, requested that the court order the accused pay the costs incurred in the appointment of court experts.

Bail was not requested.

Lawyer Patrick Valentino appeared for the accused as legal aid.