Alleged cocaine traffickers remanded in custody

Two Maltese and two foreigners were remanded in custody this morning after pleading not guilty to trafficking cocaine.

They are Julio Cesar Valerio Polanco, 36, from the Dominican Republic, who holds an Italian ID card, Spaniard Yohanna Abella Sanz, 31 and Clayton Delia, 21, who both live in Zejtun and Orazio Grixti, 29 of Gudja.

Ms Sanz and Mr Polanco were also charged with importing the drug while Mr Grixti was charged with possession.

Police inspector Victor Aquilina told the court that a care order had been issued from Ms Sanz' three-year-old daughter, who had now been taken to Angela House. He claimed that the mother and Mr Delia used to take drugs in front of girl.

Mr Delia's defence lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha said their client was infatuated with the Spaniard, who lived with him. They claimed that Mr Delia did not know what was happening.