A large consignment of drugs was imported into Malta in 2006 hidden in oil filters used by trucks, but the Malta police were waiting, having been alerted by UK Customs, a court heard today.

Isaac Unigwe, 35, today started undergoing trial by jury, accused of having conspired to traffic 191g of cocaine and 689g of cannabis.

The bill of the indictment also accuses him of drug trafficking, cannabis possession, use of a tampered passport, false declarations to a public officer and use of false documents.

Nigeria-born Mr Unigwe was arrested in August 2006 following a controlled delivery operation by the police who had been alerted to the consignment by British Customs.

The drugs were concealed in oil filters used in truck engines. The suspect package had been addressed to a female friend of the accused who was to receive the consignment on his behalf and then inform him of its arrival.

Mr Unigwe was arrested shortly after having taken possession of the parcel.

The prosecution is also also alleging that a “considerable sum” of money had been transferred to the accused's bank account on the same day that the package reached Malta.

The trial by jury is presided over by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto is defence counsel.
Lawyers Lara Lanfranco and Dustin Camilleri from the Office of the Attorney General are prosecuting.