Three men were yesterday granted bail after pleading not guilty to a series of drug-related charges following a drug operation conducted by the police over the past few days.

The police seized around 700 grammes of cannabis from a Guardamangia apartment resided in by Andre Falzon, 22 of Qawra. They also arrested Sean Farrugia, 20 of Birkirkara in connection with the case.

Further investigations enabled the police to arrest yet another man, David Bajada, 20, from Naxxar.

Mr Falzon and Mr Farrugia pleaded not guilty to conspiring to deal in cannabis and to trafficking cocaine. They were also charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis in circumstances denoting it was not for their personal use.

Mr Farrugia was also accused of cannabis trafficking while Mr Falzon was accused of relapsing.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano heard how Mr Falzon was awaiting trial in connection with the alleged trafficking of around 300 ecstasy pills close to the Junior College.

Mr Bajada was charged with the trafficking, cultivation and possession of cannabis as well as with possessing and trafficking 240 grammes of heroin.

The three men pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €8,000.

The police said they expected to charge more people in court over drugs in the coming days after arresting a 21-year-old man from Attard and a 19-year-old woman from Madliena who were found in possession of cannabis.