A port worker who allegedly bought €1,800 worth of Chinese fireworks from a shop in Sicily, deeming it a bargain, yesterday denied importing explosives without a licence.

The prosecution is alleging that Customs officers found the pyrotechnics hidden in a van as it was leaving the catamaran which had just arrived from Sicily on August 20.

George Mifsud, 34, pleaded not guilty to importing explosives without a licence, failing to inform the authorities about the explosives and evading VAT and excise duty. He is pleading not guilty.

Magistrate Monica Vella granted bail against a €1,000 deposit and a €3,000 personal guarantee after the prosecution did not object.

Sources said Mr Mifsud’s father, Joseph, 63, had also been arrested but was released after the police ascertained he had no knowledge of the fireworks allegedly found.

On the night in question, Customs officers had stopped the van and asked the driver whether he had anything to declare. There were carpets and pillows in the van but a search yielded nine boxes, two sacks and two suitcases full of pyrotechnic material containing to a total of 4,182 firework items.

Police Inspector Pricilla Caruana Lee prosecuted.

Lawyer Roland Borg was defence council.