Two men were yesterday charged over the discovery of more than 4.5 kilograms of cannabis resin in an Msida residence two years ago.

Car dealer Clayton Azzopardi, 29, from Tarxien and driver Carmel Debono, 49, from Fgura, denied their involvement after the police were led to them through an investigation after a magisterial inquiry.

As the arraignment got underway, lawyer Franco Debono contested the fact that his clients had been arraigned under arrest when the alleged crime took place two years ago.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma rebutted that after the discovery of the drugs was made, another man the police believed to be responsible, Anthony Debattista, was arraigned. The drugs were allegedly found in a raid on his property.

A magisterial inquiry was held and uncovered multifaceted evidence that helped the police take the investigation further and file charges against the accused.

The inspector said he arraigned the pair under arrest after considering the seriousness of the crime and to avoid the risk of the accused tampering with evidence.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit remanded both of the men in custody.