A 46-year-old man was remanded in custody today after being charged with trafficking some 2.5 kilograms of cocaine as well as the aggravated possession of cannabis, possession of an unlicensed weapon and money laundering.

Standing in the dock surrounded by some eight sobbing family members and friends, Agostino Agius, who is from Marsa but who resides in Attard, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought before him.

Prosecuting officer Kevin Pulis told the court that the police were tipped off that the accused was deeply involved in drug trafficking. The police were also told that he often frequented the area of Marsascala, which is where he was arrested on Friday.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech heard how a search of his car yielded some 2.5 kilogrammes of cocaine while, at his residence, the police found an unlicensed weapon and cannabis. He was also charged with money laundering involving €6,000.

Lawyer Franco Debono requested bail, pointing out that his client had no criminal record, that there were no civilian witnesses who would be testifying and that he had fully cooperated with the police by issuing a detailed, five-page statement.

Insp. Pulis objected, explaining that police investigations were still at an early stage and could possibly lead to the arrest of more people. Moreover, the accused was charged with other crimes apart from drug trafficking.

Confirming that he had fully cooperated with the police, Insp. Pulis qualified that this was only done after he had been arrested.

“Our qualm is that, yes, he did take responsibility for his actions but he would not give us information on third parties.”

The court turned down the request for bail, noting that it was not satisfied that he would not try to abscond before the very serious charges he was faced with. Cooperation with the police after arrest should be reflected in the punishment meted down and not in granting bail.

The court also issued a freezing order, preventing the accused from disposing of or dealing with his assets. 

The man was among 10 arrested for drug-related offences since Friday.

The police said the other nine arrested people were aged between 19 and 43 and where found in possession of what were believed to be cannabis, cocaine an ecstasy.