Martin Dimech of Zejtun, this morning pleaded not guilty to trafficking in heroin, the possession of the drug with the intent to sell it and relapsing on and before Friday.

Five bags containing some 900 grammes of heroin which had been hidden in the external compartments of two fridges at the accused's house were found by the police on Friday. The police had been following the movements of Mr Dimech, 48, for the past months.

Police Inspector Victor Aquilina explained that, after being tipped off that Mr Dimech may be dealing in drugs about two months ago, his movements were monitored.

Following the arrest, Mr Dimech admitted that the drugs were his and told police that the woman who lived with him was not involved, the inspector said.

Magistrate Edwina Grima ordered the freezing of all Mr Dimech’s assets and turned down his request for bail.