Three charged after fake banknote investigation uncovers drugs, weapons and violence

A 29-year-old waste collector has been charged with drug dealing, circulating false banknotes, grievously injuring a third party and weapons charges.

Inspectors Mark Anthony Mercieca and Justine Grech arraigned Jordan Azzopardi before magistrate Charmaine Galea this afternoon, accusing him of supplying cocaine and heroin and selling cannabis, as well as possession of the drugs within 100m of a school or place frequented by youths.

He was further charged with having, on different days in March, placed fake banknotes into circulation, conspired to commit a crime, defrauded a number of shops where he had used the fake notes, carried a firearm in public without a permit, breached bail and grievously injured a man.

Azzopardi, who resides in an upmarket apartment complex in Madliena, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyers Alfred Abela and Arthur Azzopardi, did not request bail at this stage.

Azzopardi’s alleged co-conspirators in the fake banknote crimes, 66-year-old Mario Abdilla of Valletta and a 30-year-old woman from Cospicua, were also arraigned today by inspector Mark Mercieca and Shaun Friggieri.

The mother of five, who cannot be named due to a court-imposed ban on the publication of her name, pleaded not guilty to placing fake banknotes into circulation, conspiracy to commit a crime, fraud and possession of cannabis. Bail was not requested.