Msida woman arraigned over drug charges

A 43-year-old woman from Msida was yesterday remanded in custody after she pleaded not guilty to being in possession of and trafficking in cocaine and heroin.

Maria Vella pleaded not guilty to being in possession of and trafficking in the drugs on and before last Saturday afternoon.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Silvio Meli, heard the prosecution allege that the police had discovered drug-related material during a raid on Maria Vella's apartment.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted.

Lawyer Joe Brincat appeared for Ms Vella.

The police had said earlier that a 43-year-old woman born in Gozo, a 22-year-old woman from Valletta and four men from Valletta, Birkirkara, Qormi and Naxxar and aged between 30 and 33 were arrested after heroin and cocaine was founded in an Msida apartment on Friday afternoon.

The police said that heroin, cocaine and drug-related items were found on the six suspects and inside the apartment.

Duty Magistrate Antonio Mizzi was informed and appointed a number of experts to assist him in an inquiry he has opened.