A Sicilian man caught with four kilograms of cannabis grass in the compartment of his car’s spare tyre was remanded in custody yesterday after denying conspiracy and drug trafficking.

Drug squad police arrested the man on Saturday when he arrived on the island on the catamaran from Pozzallo.

Martino Aiello, 49, was charged in court with attempting to smuggle the cannabis into Malta, conspiracy to import drugs, drug trafficking and possession.

Before Magistrate Carol Peralta, the man, who said he was unemployed, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Inspector Herman Mula prosecuted while lawyer Joseph Mizzi appeared for the accused.

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