Imported 'drugs' were caffeine and paracetamol

A Latvian man, Janis Boruss, this morning went on trial by jury for allegedly conspiring to import three kilos of cocaine.

Boruss was arrested on December 14, 2010.

He told the court this morning that he was refusing the services of a lawyer and wished to conduct his own defence.

Elaine Rizzo, lawyer from the Attorney Generals Office said the accused arrived in Malta with a bag containing the drugs which were very well hidden in a false bottom of a suitcase. There was a surprise when the drugs were analysed because they were caffeine and paracetamol which were used as a cutting agent.

He did not import anything illegal but is being charged with conspiracy to import the drugs and not importation or trafficking.