A Gozitan extradited from the UK was yesterday charged with conspiring to import about 9,500 ecstasy pills inside the frame of a mirror in 2006.

Marcel Agius, 56, who lived in East Sussex at the time, is allegedly the third participant in the drug smuggling operation. Valletta-born Mario Abdilla, 54, of London, was two weeks ago jailed for 15 years and fined €25,000 after he admitted his part in it while Alfred Camilleri, 56, also of Valletta, will be tried by a jury on Monday.

During the compilation of evidence, Police Superintendent Norbert Ciappara, who was an inspector at the time, said that on September 6, 2006, the police were informed that Mr Abdilla was to land in Malta from England carrying drugs.

On arrival he was searched and, although no drugs were found in his possession, he was carrying methadone (a replacement treatment drug for heroin addicts). However, he also had a bill for a package he was meant to receive from England.

The police traced the parcel and learned that it was destined to be delivered through Thomas Smith postal company.

When the parcel arrived on a cargo flight the following day, the police scanned it. When they opened it they found thousands of ecstasy pills taped between a mirror and the back panel of its frame, the superintendent said.

Mr Abdilla picked up the drugs in a controlled delivery.