A man who runs the bar at the Santa Luċija Football Club was in tears yesterday as he appeared before Magistrate Carol Peralta charged with trafficking cocaine.

Alexander Balzan, 43, from Żabbar, denied possession of cocaine in circumstances de­noting it was not for his personal use and also possession of amphetamine. He also denied trafficking drugs at a venue frequented by youngsters.

Police inspector Nikolai Sant said the defendant told the police he had been “taken over” by an addiction and had resorted to selling some of the drugs to sustain his habit.

After hearing the prosecuting officer declare there were no witnesses, Magistrate Peralta granted Mr Balzan bail against a deposit of €200 and a €3,000 personal guarantee.

Lawyer Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici appeared for the accused.

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