Two young men arraigned on drug-related charges were this morning granted bail against a deposit of €13,000 and a personal guarantee of €40,000 between them.

Johan Borg, 23, and Clint Joseph Muscat, 22, pleaded not guilty to being in possession of cocaine, cannabis plant and cannabis resin that was not for their sole use, and for being in possession of a firearm without a licence.

Mr Borg, a chef from Birkirkara, also pleaded not guilty to trafficking charges.
The two were found in possession of the drugs during a police raid on a garage in Attard between Friday and Saturday, following weeks of observation by the police's drug squad.

The search found 1.5 kilos of cannabis resin, 550 grams of cocaine and another 250 grams of cannabis plant, a firearm, cash, and other drug-related items.

The court, presided by Magistrate Dr Claire Stafrace Zammit, heard that another two women and a 15-year-old, who were in a car in the vicinity, were also arrested. One of them was found in possession of drugs.

Prosecuting inspector Frank Anthony Tabone asked the court to freeze the assets of both men and refrain from granting bail for fear of some form of communication with the witnesses.

Defending lawyers Mario Mifsud and Chris Frendo insisted that the 15-year-old’s presence in the car was “coincidental” and the other two women had already made their statements.

The court upheld the request for the freezing of assets but granted the men bail.

Mr Borg was granted bail against a deposit of €8,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000, while Mr Muscat, from Mosta, was granted bail against a deposit of €5,000 and a personal guarantee of €20,000.