Two charged with illegal possession of fireworks

Two men from Żebbuġ were yesterday charged with the unlawful importation and possession of fireworks in Żebbuġ.

Joseph Calleja, 61, a pensioner of St Paul's Bay, and Carmel Falzon, 49, of Żebbuġ, pleaded not guilty to being in possession of, importing, storing and transporting the explosives in a residence at Triq Is-Sindku P. Vella on Monday.

The prosecution, led by Superintendent Lawrence Cutajar and Inspector Anthony Cachia, told the court that Mr Falzon held a Licence B for fireworks manufacture and Mr Calleja held a Licence C. However, those licences did not allow them to store fireworks in the manner in which they were found.

They added that a "considerable" amount of explosives, about a van-full, had been found in Mr Falzon's residence. The prosecution argued that, if bail was granted, bail conditions should reflect the seriousness of the crime. Magistrate Giovanni Grixti, taking into consideration the circumstances in which the fireworks were allegedly found, granted the men bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000 (Lm858.36) and a deposit of €2,000 (Lm858.36) each.

Lawyer Gavin Gulia was defence counsel.