Three on drug trafficking charge

Three men were yesterday charged with trafficking almost eight kilograms of cannabis resin, which was allegedly found in two cars on Sunday.

Francis Bonnett, 64, and Kevin Gatt, 32, pleaded not guilty to trafficking and possessing the drug in circumstances denoting it was not for their exclusive use.

Mr Gatt was also charged with possessing cocaine and Mr Bonnett was charged with money laundering.

Jeremy Ciantar, 37, pleaded not guilty to conspiring to deal in the drug and possessing it in circumstances denoting it was not for his exclusive use.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara told the court that Mr Bonnett and Mr Ciantar were in one car while Mr Gatt was alone in another when police officers caught them in possession of the drugs.

According to the inspector, Mr Bonnett and Mr Ciantar were found in possession of six kilograms of cannabis resin while Mr Gatt had just under two kilograms of the drug.

Due to the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani remanded the men in custody.