A Libyan passenger was intercepted carrying total of 21 kilograms of water pipe tobacco at Malta International Airport as he passed through the 'Nothing to Declare' channel at the arrivals’ lounge.

The tobacco originated from Libya and the passenger, who was stopped by Customs, arrived in Malta via Istanbul. Taxes due on the tobacco amount to €1,526, the Customs Department said.

The man, Muftah Said A Rahemi, 29, was taken to court this morning.  

After hearing the accused plead not guilty, the court heard the man’s defence lawyers explain that their client, had “just walked with the flow of passengers” upon entering the arrivals lounge.

Upon hearing the defence’s request for bail, the prosecution objected in view of the fact that the accused had no ties with Malta and had intended to leave shortly. Moreover, the man had no money to pay the amount due.

The court turned down the request for bail and remanded the accused in custody.

Inspector Antonovitch Muscat prosecuted.
Lawyers Charlon Gouder and Shazoo Ghaznavi were defence counsel.