Man admits trafficking 400 grammes of cocaine

A Spanish national was yesterday remanded in custody to await sentencing after admitting to trafficking 400 grammes of cocaine when he came to Malta with his partner.

Carlos Manuel Martina, 35, who resides in Holland, pleaded guilty to importing the drugs, conspiring to deal cocaine and possessing the drugs with the intent to sell.

Mr Martina was arrested at the airport when he landed in Malta from Brussels last Thursday.

Customs officials, together with police from the drug squad, searched Mr Martina and his partner, Margherita Andrea.

Ms Andrea turned out to be clean but Mr Martina was found in possession of 39 drug-filled capsules, police said in a statement.

During yesterday's arraignment Magistrate Antonio Mizzi heard testimony from Ms Andrea. She explained that she had a relationship with Mr Martina who had asked her to accompany him to Malta on holiday.

Speaking with the help of a translator, Ms Andrea said she knew nothing about the drugs and only realised what was going on when they were searched at the airport. She will be leaving the island.

Police Inspector Johann Fenech prosecuted.