A marine mechanic yesterday denied that he was the mastermind behind the importation of some 21,000 ecstasy pills in January 2009.

Matthew Bajada, 30, from Santa Venera, yesterday testified in his own defence in a trial by jury, saying that he had been told by Joseph Camilleri, 56, from Rabat, that he would be able to get him a job on a rig.

Instead, Mr Bajada said he ended up buying drugs but he was only told as much when they got back to Malta.

Mr Camilleri last year admitted to his involvement in drug importation and was jailed for 12 years and fined €20,000.

Mr Bajada said that he purchased a Mercedes van in 2008 and, accompanied by Mr Camilleri, drove to Rotterdam in January 2009 to buy Mercury oil, which he used in his work. He preferred to buy the oil from abroad because it was very expensive in Malta.

He said that when they arrived in Malta from Genoa via Tunis, Mr Camilleri noticed unusual movements when docking and, at that point, revealed to Mr Bajada that he had purchased 5,000 ecstasy pills.

Mr Bajada said that when he was arrested he was so scared that he wet himself.

The case continues.

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