The Tunisian authorities have not yet replied to the Maltese government's request for information over the arrest of a Maltese man in Nabeul, suspected of trying to export about 50 kilograms of cannabis resin.

The man was yesterday named at Tano Farrugia, 32, who used to play with Msida football club. He was arrested by the Tunisian police on Sunday afternoon after they carried out a search in his hotel room in Nabeul.

He is now being detained at Grombalia prison not far from that town.

A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said the authorities had not yet received a formal request for diplomatic assistance from Mr Farrugia's family.

However, it had been informed by its Tunisian counterpart of the arrest.

Tunisian law allows the police to interrogate a suspect for four days without any legal representation, a period which could be extended to 12 days, the spokesman said.

If charged after the 12 days expired, during which time suspects are only allowed one phone call, a lawyer appointed by the family would be present.

The spokesman said the ministry had tried to get in touch with the Tunisian Foreign Ministry over the past two days but had not succeeded.

Police sources said the 50 kg of cannabis, which consisted of about 100-foot-long blocks, were destined for Malta and were probably going to be shipped by sea.

Nabeul, located about 40 miles from the country's capital Tunis, is a popular coastal town with tourists.