Men charged in court after raid reveals firearm, drug stash

Two men arrested during a police raid which yielded several drugs and a firearm were today arraigned under arrest on drug-related charges and granted bail against a hefty deposit and personal guarantee.

Standing before Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, the accused, Johan Borg, 23, of Birkirkara, and Clint Joseph Muscat, 22, of Mosta, were charged with being in possession of cocaine, cannabis plant, and cannabis resin that was not for their sole use, and for being in possession of a firearm without a licence.

Both pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Borg, also denied trafficking charges.

The youths were arrested on Friday night during a raid on a garage in Attard which yielded a firearm, 1.5 kg of cannabis resin, 550 grams of cocaine, 250 grams of cannabis plant, cash and other drug-related paraphernalia.

The Court heard that two women and a 15-year-old, who were in a car in the vicinity, were also arrested. One of them was found in possession of drugs.

Prosecuting inspector Frank Anthony Tabone asked the Court to freeze the assets of both accused and remand them in custody for fear of tampering with evidence. Presiding Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit upheld the police’s request for the freezing of the accused’s benefits, but granted them bail.

Borg as granted bail against a deposit of €8,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000, while Muscat was granted bail against a deposit of €5,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000.

Police Inspector Frank Anthony Tabone prosecuted, while Lawyers Mario Mifsud and Chris Frendo were defence counsel.