A 44-year-old man has been arrested and arraigned by the Police Drugs Squad after he was found in possession of about 2,500 suspected ecstasy pills, 250 grams cocaine, cannabis resin and grass.

Herman Sant, from Dingli, was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

He was arraigned before Magistrate Ian Farrugia this morning and charged with the aggravated possession of ecstasy and cocaine, simple possession of cannabis resin, possessing a firearm without a licence, causing his partner to fear that violence would be used against her, threatening her and slightly injuring her.

He pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting officer Kevin Pulis told the court that the police were asked to intervene following a commotion which erupted at a residence. The man was subsequently arrested. He pleaded not guilty.

Insp. Pulis confirmed that the man had wholly cooperated, even as the police were searching the residence. The drug-related charges were not tied to any civilian witnesses.

Lawyer Gianluca Caruana Curran submitted a request for bail. Insp. Pulis objected on the grounds of the gravity of the crime and the fact that police investigations were still at an early stage. The police, he continued, were establishing facts which might lead to the arrest of other people.

Dr Caruana Curran argued that there was no fear of absconding since his son and family lived in Malta and also worked here. The gravity of the crime was not a valid legal reason for precluding him from being granted bail. The court had various other methods at its disposal through which it could keep tabs on the accused, the lawyer continued.

The court turned down the request for bail due to the fact that police investigations were still ongoing. The accused was remanded in custody.