A drug dealer who was caught in possession of more than a kilo of cocaine in 2007 was yesterday jailed for 11 years and fined €30,000 after opting to admit to the charges instead face a trial by jury.

Stiano Agius, 34, from Qormi, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, possession and money laundering, among other charges.

Just as the trial by jury was about to begin, Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi was informed that the parties had reached a plea bargain agreement.

The court heard how Mr Agius had been seen handling a suspicious package during days of monitoring by the Drug Squad.

He was arrested when he arrived home in his BMW X5.

A subsequent search of his house yielded more drugs, amounting to 1.153 kilos of cocaine with a street value estimated at €87,600.

The police also found nearly €77,000 (Lm33,000) in cash in batches of €2,329.

Mr Agius told police he had an agreement with a foreigner to keep drugs on his behalf and he received Lm1,000 for the service he was providing.

His wife, Eleanor Tracy, 37, is facing similar charges but, unlike her husband, she decided not to admit to the charges and will face a trial by jury.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted while lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Agius.