VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Romanian man who smuggled 15kg of cocaine from Sicily to Malta by catamaran has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after striking a plea deal with prosecutors.
The Romanian admitted to importing the drugs into Malta on 26 January 2024. He had travelled from Pozzallo, Sicily, with the cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment inside his SUV.
The drugs were discovered during what authorities described as a random inspection by police and customs officials upon arrival.
Although drug-sniffing dogs failed to detect the narcotics, officers grew suspicious during a visual inspection of the vehicle. An X-ray scan later confirmed their suspicions.
Officials uncovered a concealed compartment beneath the car’s running board and rear wheel. Inside were several dark blue packages tied with yellow string.
Laboratory tests confirmed the packages contained 15kg of cocaine with a purity level of 55.7%. Police estimated the haul had a street value of approximately €2 million.
Authorities said the Romanian cooperated during the investigation but declined to answer most questions. Forensic analysis indicated that at least two other individuals had handled the packages.
He faced three charges: importation, aggravated possession, and conspiracy to traffic cocaine. Under Maltese law, the offences carry a potential life sentence.
Although he initially pleaded not guilty, the accused changed his plea on 29 January this year as part of a plea bargaining agreement.
The Office of the Attorney General and the defence jointly recommended a 17-year prison term and a €23,000 fine, along with mandatory asset confiscation.
Judge Consuelo Scerri Herrera approved the agreement, stating there was no reason to deviate from the proposed sentence.
The accused was also ordered to pay €5,391.71 in court expenses.
– photo Malta Police –
(ITALPRESS).
