Clayton Azzopardi 29, of Tarxien and Carmel Debono, 49, of Fgura, were remanded in custody today after pleading not guilty to trafficking 4.6 kilos of cannabis resin on and before May 6, 2010.

Police Inspector Denis Theuma told the court that this was a case linked to the discovery of a large amount of drugs in May of two years ago.

Lawyer Franco Debono contested the fact that the accused were arraigned under arrest and said this was not justified in view of the fact that the alleged crime took place two years ago. 

Inspector Theuma said they were arraigned under arrest because of the seriousness of the case. He said that following the discovery of the drugs a magisterial inquiry was launched and this was a complicated case with many angles.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit ruled that the arrest was justified and remanded the accused in custody.

The drug was allegedly found in the possession of a man who has since died, in Clarence Street,  Msida. Investigations are continuing.