Man charged with importing cannabis from Sicily

A Nigerian man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on charges of conspiring to import cannabis on the ferry from Sicily.

Inspector Frank Anthony Tabone arraigned 21-year-old Henry Opara under arrest before magistrate Audrey Demicoli earlier today, on charges of conspiring to import cannabis grass, importing the drug, possession of parts of a cannabis plant in circumstances denoting that it was not intended for his personal use and simple possession of cannabis.

Opara was arrested shortly after midnight between Monday and Tuesday, upon his arrival on the catamaran from Sicily. He was found to be in possession of approximately 600g of cannabis grass.

Legal aid lawyer Yanika Bugeja entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the man, who told the court his profession was that of a tiler and plasterer.

The defence informed the court that it was not contesting the validity of the man’s arrest and in view of the fact that the accused did not have a fixed residence in Malta, reserved the right to request bail at a later stage.