Updated | Man charged after discovery of 30kg of shisha tobacco in sealed washing powder boxes

A Libyan man has been charged with smuggling in connection with this morning's seizure of 30kg of undeclared water-pipe (shisha) tobacco by customs officials.

Mohammed Ali Al Musrati, a 30-year-old Swieqi resident was arrested at the Malta International Airport shortly after his arrival on a flight from Tunis.

Customs have released photographs of the boxes

Customs have released photographs of the boxes

The tobacco was seized after an X-ray scan of a suitcase belonging to the Libyan national who had just landed in Malta aroused suspicions. On opening the man's luggage, the customs officials discovered the tobacco wrapped in tinfoil, concealed inside sealed containers of "Nadhif" washing powder. 

Al Musrati, who has a Maltese residence permit, was then arrested. 

In an afternoon arraignment following the arrest, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera was told that the man had gone through the green channel, having failed to declare the tobacco in his luggage.

Lawyer Franco Debono, appearing as defence counsel to Al Musrati, entered a not guilty plea on his client's behalf and requested the man's release from custody.

Bail was granted against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €3,000.