A Nigerian man who lives in Italy was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the importation of 1.2 kg of cannabis found in his luggage.

Johnson Kelly, 30, a Nigerian national living in Udine, was caught with the drug upon his arrival in Malta on the catamaran from Sicily on Wednesday evening.

The drug was found in the false bottom of his suitcase.

Before Magistrate Miriam Hayman, he denied importation and having an amount denoting it was not for his personal use. He did not make a request for bail and was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Pierre Grech prosecuted while lawyer Alessandro Lia appeared for the accused.

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