Updated: Couple admits involvement in drug trafficking

A married couple this morning admitted its involvement in a 2006 drug trafficking case.

The admission was made at the opening of a trial by jury where Joseph and Censina Zerafa, of Marsaxlokk, were accused along with Charles Camilleri, 41, of Marsa, of involvement in trafficking of 10 kg of cannabis.

Mr Camilleri filed a 'not guilty' plea and Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono said he would deliver sentence on the guilty plea once the trial is concluded.

The police had found 5kg of the drug hidden in a car driven by Joseph Zerafa in Marsascala and the remainder at the couple's house.

Joseph Zerafa had also been accused of having disobeyed police orders and having driven dangerously when he tried to get away, while his wife was accused of trying to hide the drug after her husband called her to do so.

The drug had a street value of €60,000.

POLICE CHASE

In his opening address, prosecutor Aron Bugeja said the police had tried to arrest Joseph Zerafa and Charles Camilleri as they travelled in a car in Marsaxlokk on May 3, 2006. But when the police blocked the road, Zerafa reversed his car and drove off at high speed. The police followed in hot pursuit in what the prosecutor said was a scene akin to a Starsky and Hutch episode.

As the accused tried to escape, Zerafa phoned his wife on his mobile phone and told her to hide drugs which were in their home.

The police eventually blocked the car and arrested the two men at Marsascala. 17 blocks of cannabis were found in the vehicle.

The accused had intended to hand over the drug to a Martin Pavia later in the day. .