A Libyan man was this afternoon remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to trying to smuggle 1,000 bullets in his luggage while trying to leave Malta for Libya.

Aiman El Lawati, 25, who lives in Gzira, pleaded not guilty to attempting to take the bullets to Benghazi yesterday afternoon. The bullets were seen on the airport's luggage scanner.

Mr El Lawati pleaded not guilty to taking part in a business venture that might contribute to violence.

Lawyer Christopher Chircop requested bail, saying his client had lived in Malta for eight years and was married to a Maltese woman. The prosecution objected. It argued that the crime which he was being accused of carried a five-year punishment. The accused did not help the police in the investigations and there were also witnesses, Police Inspector Fabian Fleri said.

Police inspectors Silvio Magro also prosecuted. Dr Chircop appeared as legal aid.

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