VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A 45-year-old Moroccan man has been remanded in custody after being accused of importing around 1.5 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis resin into Malta, concealed in capsules inside his stomach.
Adim El Habib appeared before Magistrate Abigail Critien, charged with importing the drugs on 8 November and on previous days, or associating himself with others to commit the offence.
Police told the court that intelligence had linked the man to a suspected drug trafficking network. Investigations revealed that he had travelled from Morocco to Spain before continuing his journey to Malta.
After receiving information that he would be arriving on a flight from Madrid, police carried out checks on passengers, leading to his arrest.
Medical scans conducted at Mater Dei Hospital subsequently revealed approximately 150 capsules inside the man’s stomach. The capsules contained around 1.5kg of suspected cannabis resin, with an estimated street value of €30,000.
Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia was informed of the case and opened a magisterial inquiry, appointing several experts to assist in the investigation.
During proceedings, El Habib told the court that he works as a vegetable vendor and has a residence in Spain, but none in Malta.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges. No request for bail was made, and the court ordered that he be remanded in custody.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
