An Italian man who carried drug capsules in his stomach was arrested by the police after he suffered constipation and sought medical help, a court was told this morning.

Andrea Marcozzi, 40, a resident of Madrid, pleaded not guilty to having imported cocaine in 66 capsules hidden in his stomach.

The man had initially told the court that he wanted to plead guilty, but he then changed his plea.

Police Inspector Pierre Grech said that the accused managed to pass most of the capsules in his hotel room but some six capsules had remained in his stomach and he called a doctor.

The police were then alerted.

The man, who works as a waiter, arrived in Malta two days ago.

He remains under medical surveillance.