Two cousins were yesterday charged with conspiring to deal in a kilo of cannabis weed found in a garage they shared.

Malcolm Brincat, 22, of Birkirkara and his cousin Kenneth Brincat, 27, of Attard, pleaded not guilty to conspiring to deal in cannabis, trafficking in the cannabis plant and being in possession of the cannabis plant and resin with the intent to sell.

They were also charged with possession of small amounts of cocaine and psychotropic drugs, including ecstasy, with the intent to sell.

Police Inspector Herman Mula said officers found the drugs in Kenneth Brincat’s car and a garage used by both cousins. Malcolm Brincat was arrested first and led the police to his cousin.

Defence lawyers Gianluca Caruana Curran and Franco Debono made a request for bail.

The prosecution objected, however, saying that there was a witness, who is related to the accused, who would help prove the “serious” charges but there was a risk the relative would be intimidated.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella granted Malcolm Brincat bail against a deposit of €5,000 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.

Kenneth Brincat was granted bail against an €8,000 deposit and a €12,000 guarantee.