A barman, who takes it in turns with his grandfather to run a bar in Gżira’s Testaferrata Street, was yesterday charged with being in possession of over 15 sachets of cocaine which were packed for sale.

Ryan Refalo, 20, from Vittoriosa, was charged with cocaine possession with intent and possessing amounts denoting it was not for his personal use.

He was also accused of committing this crime in a place frequented by youngsters and being in possession of a flick knife without a police permit.

He was further charged with resisting arrest, slightly injuring a police officer, disobeying police orders and with attempting to destroy evidence.

Police Inspector Johann Fenech told Magistrate Giovanni Grixti that the Drug Squad police raided Tulip Bar in Testaferrata Street following a tip-off. He resisted them and the sachets were found in a plastic bag.

Later, during a search in his car, where the police found weighing scales with what looked like traces of a powder, Mr Refalo faked a panic attack and then all of a sudden allegedly grabbed the scales and attempted to flee. However, he was apprehended.

Magistrate Grixti upheld his request for bail against a deposit of €3,000 and a personal guarantee of another €3,000. Lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.