St Paul's Bay man charged with money laundering, drug trafficking after police raid

A long-term surveillance operation by the drugs squad has culminated in a successful raid of a flat in St. Paul's Bay, which netted 1.5kg of cannabis resin and €75,000 in cash.

The flat's occupant, 28-year old Kenrick Sciriha, was arraigned this morning on cannabis trafficking and money laundering charges relating to the proceeds of a criminal enterprise.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras heard Inspector Gabriel Micallef from the police drugs squad explain how his officers had been shadowing Sciriha's movements and observing the suspect's actions for several months before deciding to carry out the raid.

Lawyer Edward Gatt, who is defending the accused, entered a plea of not guilty and requested bail.

The court granted bail to the accused against a deposit of €1,500 and a personal guarantee of €10,000. He is also required to sign a bail book every day.