A Russian man was today jailed for five years and fined €23,000 after he admitted to conspiring with people to import heroin and to the importation of the drug in April 2011.
Dmitrijus Zdorovcevas, 28, a Russian national living in Lithuania, admitted to the charges before facing a trial by jury.
He admitted to importation of benzodiazepine, a powder that is then mixed with heroin. The drug was found in a concealed compartment in his luggage upon his arrival at Malta International Airport.
Following a plea bargaining deal, Mr Zdorovcevas pleaded guilty to the charges and was jailed for five year. He was also fined €23,000 and ordered to pay almost €1,000 in court expenses.
Police Inspector Johann Fenech prosecuted.