Maltese man extradited from UK to face cocaine possession charges

A Maltese man, resident in the UK has been released on bail against a €15,000 personal guarantee after he appeared before magistrate Natasha Sciberras, charged with aggravated cocaine possession.

Oliver Vella, 36, was arrested in Malta on the strength of a European Arrest Warrant which had been issued over a case which dates back ten years.

Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha, appearing for the accused, said that the Vella had changed his ways and that he was currently actively cooperating in drug programmes, helping addicts overcome their addiction.

Vella, who now lives in London, pleaded guilty to the drug charges on which he was extradited to Malta through a European Arrest Warrant. The case against Vella had started being heard before Vella dropped off the radar during a visit to the UK. A European Arrest Warrant was issued and he was extradited after being arrested in London by the British police. 

The court released him on bail pending a pre-sentencing report after his defence lawyers told the court that their client had changed his ways.

The accused had previously served time in Venezuela for drug related offences, but appears to have since realised the error of his ways and turned over a new leaf, telling the UK Daily Star newspaper in a 2014 interview about his time in Venezuela, that he sees every day as "a gift from God."

Police Inspector Nezren Grizti prosecuted.