A 46-year-old man was yesterday charged with drug smuggling after a major haul of 10,000 ecstasy pills on Wednesday evening at the airport.

Tony Walroud, who is from the Caribbean island of Curacao but has been living in Holland for the past eight years, was stopped at the airport by Customs officers and policemen on arrival from Brussels.

The pills were allegedly found in the false bottom of his suitcase. It is the largest haul of ecstasy pills this year.

He pleaded not guilty.

Legal aid lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores asked the court for bail, adding that in the circumstances it is clear it will be denied.

Aided by a Spanish interpreter, a colourfully dressed Mr Walroud stood sheepishly listening to how he was going to be spending Christmas in Malta.

After considering the charges of conspiring to import, importing and possession of the drug and that he has no ties to the island, Magistrate Lawrence Quintano remanded him in custody.

On being informed of the ruling, Mr Walroud shrugged his shoulders and told the magistrate "yes, yes".

Police Inspector Stephen Gatt prosecuted.