A Maltese man extradited from Sicily has pleaded not guilty to trafficking 18kgs of cannabis and firing a machine gun inside a garage complex in Qormi.

Jomic Calleja, 29, of Gżira, was yesterday charged in court less than 24 hours after being escorted by Maltese police officers from Sicily where he was on the run for almost eight months.

Prosecuting Inspector Herman Mula said that three European Arrest Warrants had been issued against Mr Calleja, who was arrested around six weeks ago in Taormina, Sicily.

Appearing before Magistrate Gabriella Vella, Mr Calleja pleaded not guilty to possession and importing around 18kgs of cannabis grass.

He was also charged with trafficking cocaine and possession not for his personal use.

He was also charged with trafficking cocaine

Mr Mula said the defendant became a suspect following a police investigation in which 18kgs of cannabis were seized last year. Other people were arrested but he managed to escape to Sicily.

Mr Calleja was also charged with firing an AK-47 rifle in a set of Qormi garages on June 23 and July 19, 2013. Police Inspector James Grech said footage taken from security cameras showed a car similar to that used by Mr Calleja, a Peugeot 307, entering and exiting the garages when the shooting took place.

The police searched his residence in August 2013 and found four 7.62mm bullets, which were compatible with the weapon.

Mr Calleja pleaded not guilty to the illegal possession of a weapon and firing it within 200 metres of an inhabited area.

He was also charged with breaching court conditions, relapsing and committing a crime while under probation.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella upheld a request by the prosecution to freeze his assets.

No request for bail was made by defence lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace who pointed out that his client suffered from bipolar disorder.

Magistrate Vella asked the prison director to keep Mr Calleja at Mount Carmel Hospital if medical examinations support such a decision.