Charged with importing cocaine

Benedict Nyumah, a Liberian-born 32-year-old man, yesterday morning was charged with importation and possession of cocaine not for his exclusive use, and with conspiracy to traffic in the drug. He pleaded not guilty but was remanded in custody.

Mr Nyumah was arrested on Thursday after Customs officials and police officers suspected he might be carrying capsules filled with drugs in his stomach on his arrival at Malta International Airport from London.

He was escorted to St Luke's Hospital where it was found he had swallowed "a considerable amount" of capsules full of cocaine.

Mr Nyumah resides in England and holds a Dutch passport.