A man was charged with cocaine possession yesterday following a search by police officers investigating the murder of a man in Żejtun two weeks ago.

Marlon Apap, 36, of Qormi, is pleading not guilty to cocaine possession in circumstances denoting it was not for his exclusive use.

Although Mr Apap was not considered to be a suspect, members of the criminal investigation department searched his house on Monday for weapons in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Cassar, 67, known as Pietru l-Ħaqqa, in his garage at about 2pm on February 12, sources said.

About 70 grams of cocaine were found in sachets during the search, Police Inspector Nikolai Sant stated on Mr Apap’s arraignment sheet.

He informed the court the search formed part of police investigations but did not elaborate.

Mr Apap, an officer within the Department of Agriculture, was suspended when he had been charged with conspiracy to deal in drugs.

Yesterday he was also charged with committing the crime within 100 metres of a school, being in possession of ammunition and failing to abide by the conditions of his licence to keep ammunition.

Magistrate Anthony Vella granted him bail against a deposit of €3,000 and a personal guarantee of €7,000.

Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.