Bastjan Dalli to face drug conspiracy trial

Contractor Bastjan Dalli is to stand trial for conspiracy to deal in cannabis after a magistrate ruled there is enough evidence to indict him.

Mr Dalli was yesterday granted bail against a deposit of €24,000 and a personal guarantee of €46,000.

He had been arrested after more than 300 phone calls he allegedly made to partners in crime were intercepted by the security services. The calls were made before a supposed scheme to import 30 kilogrammes of "cannabis" fell to pieces when the drug turned out to be soap.

Mr Dalli and another four men - Rupert Busuttil, Carmelo Borg, Marvin Debono, Paul Azzopardi, all in their 20s and 30s - were charged with conspiracy to traffic in drugs brought ashore on December 17 from a yacht, the Jolly Roger, anchored off Mtaħleb.

Mr Dalli was picked up by the police the day after. He was granted bail while investigations continued but he breached the bail conditions by flying to Libya. On his return he was arrested and arraigned.

In submissions on bail, Mr Dalli's lawyer, Ian Farrugia argued that the court was no police rubber stamp but had to take into consideration the whole picture.

He said there was lack of a common design between the men to commit the crime and the police only had a mere suspicion about Mr Dalli's involvement.

There was not enough evidence to indict his client as the proof presented by the prosecution was remotely circumstantial and insufficient.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara said he was convinced of Mr Dalli's involvement: the police had a case against him and there was enough evidence to indict him.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman decided there was sufficient evidence for the accused to stand trial and released him on bail.

Lawyer Michael Scriha also appeared for Mr Dalli.