Taxi drivers arraigned over drugs

Three taxi drivers were yesterday charged with the possession of drugs with the intent to sell on and before Wednesday.

The men pleaded not guilty to the charges in three separate arraignments before Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna.

Vincent Cucciardi, 29, of Qormi was charged with the possession of about 49 grammes of cocaine with the intent to sell the drug and the possession of over 1,000 ecstasy pills. He was remanded in police custody.

Denis Desira, 36, of Bugibba was charged with the possession of 22 sachets of cocaine in circumstances denoting it was not for his personal use.

In a third arraignment Kenneth Farrugia, 28, of Zurrieq, was charged with the possession of about three cocaine-filled sachets and eight pieces of cannabis resin with the intent to sell. Both Mr Desira and Mr Farrugia were granted bail on the condition they do not leave their home without permission from the court and bound by a personal guarantee of Lm1,000. Mr Desira was also asked to deposit Lm500 while Mr Farrugia deposited Lm300.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara prosecuted.

Lawyers Emmanuel Mallia and Giannella Caruana Curran appeared for Mr Cucciardi and Mr Desira while lawyer Franco Debono represented Mr Farrugia.

Meanwhile, the Malta Transport Authority has withdrawn the taxi drivers' operating permit.

The ADT said the withdrawal of the ADT tag meant that the taxi drivers will not be able to continue to operate a taxi or be employed as a taxi driver or hold a public transport post anywhere on the islands.