Philip Sawyer, 51, from Zebbug was this afternoon charged with trafficking cocaine which was allegedly found in his possession ready packed while he was at the bar of the Zebbug Rangers football club on Saturday.

Prosecuting inspector Nicolai Sant told Magistrate Neville Camilleri that the police found a total of five grams of cocaine that were packed in 10 sachets, ready to be sold.

Mr Sawyer was also charged with committing the offence at a venue usually frequented by youngsters. He pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri granted him bail against a deposit of €300 and a €5,000 personal guarantee.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat appeared for the man.

In a statement, the Żebbuġ Rangers FC committee said it was disassociating itself from its barman and had taken steps to immediately terminate his contract as barman.

The committee said the decision was taken to safeguard the interests of the hundreds of children and youths who visit the training grounds regularly. It said it would be taking measures to ensure that its sport facilities were free of anything that could threaten the wellbeing of children.

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