Updated | Attard man charged with drug trafficking, money laundering

A man from Attard was today remanded in custody after being charged with trafficking some 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and of being in possession of cocaine and an unlicensed weapon.

Standing before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, the accused, Agostino Agius, 46, who is from Marsa but resides in Attard, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Agius also pleaded not guilty to laundering some €6,000.

The prosecution told the court that a search of Agius’s car yielded some 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, while police also uncovered cannabis and an unlicensed weapon from his house. The court heard how the police were tipped off that the accused was deeply involved in drug trafficking.

The defence’s request for bail was turned down, noting that it was not satisfied that he would not try to abscond. Despite the accused fully cooperating the police, the court noted that he had not given information on third parties.

The court also issued a freezing order, preventing the accused from disposing of his assets.

Agius was among 10 arrested for drug–related offences since Friday.

Another nine people were arrested last night, after they were found in possession of amounts of Cannabis, Cocaine, Marijuana and Ecstasy.

Those arrested are aged between 19 and 43, and they are currently assisting police investigations.

The prosecution is being led by Police Inspector Kevin Pulis, while Lawyer Franco Debono was defence counsel for the accused.