A former security officer has been granted bail after being arrested on New Year’s Eve at a Paceville establishment allegedly in possession of 29 sachets of cocaine.

Mark Allison, a 39-year-old Maltese citizen who was born in the UK but has lived here since he was three, was one of 26 people arrested during police drug busts.

The accused, who is currently unemployed, pleaded not guilty to the trafficking charge and aggravated possession of 20 grams of cocaine which took place within 100 metres from a club frequented by youths.

Prosecuting officer Herman Mula told the court that the accused collaborated with the police, admitting that he had been trafficking drugs since November.

He had not had a brush with the law in 17 years, had worked as a security officer and had helped police with numerous investigations

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard that this admission had been confirmed through his mobile phone records.

Insp. Mula objected to bail, arguing that while the amount was not a very large one, the nature of the crime was aggravated by the fact that it took place in a location frequented by youngsters.

The accused was also a drug addict and risked reoffending.

Lawyer Alessandro Lia told the court the accused had not had a brush with the law in 17 years.

Moreover, Mr Allison had worked as a security officer and had assisted the police with numerous investigations.

The court granted him bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €3,000, also prohibiting him from approaching the Paceville district.