A garage in Qormi was turned into a drugs den by an alleged trafficker, a court was told on Sunday.

Renald Baldacchino, 38, pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking in cocaine and heroin, and being in possession of a firearm.

He was one of 10 people arrested by the police in a raid on his garage last week following a tipoff.

The court heard how the garage had been turned into an apartment which was frequented by drug users, both to purchase and use drugs.

Inspector Frank Tabone told the court how six of those who had been arrested were on police bail as investigations were ongoing.

Mr Baldacchino had his request for bail rejected by Magistrate Charmaine Galea.

Meanwhile, Mr Baldacchino's partner Ersilia Gauci, 42, of Valletta was also charged with trafficking through sharing in narcotics.

Inspector Tabone told the court how some 30 grams of cocaine were found in her car. Witnesses had also claimed to have shared drugs with Ms Gauci.

Investigators had also found a ledger and sums of money in her car along with other items "linked to trafficking".

She pleaded not guilty and had her request for bail turned down.

Lawyer Veronique Dalli appeared on her behalf.

Dr Joseph Brincat represented Mr Baldacchio.

COURT LIFT JAMS - LAWYER SAYS MINISTER SHOULD BE INFORMED

Earlier in the proceedings, the court heard how a court official had been stuck in the new court lifts for more than 20 minutes. A request was made by Dr Brincat, who himself was recently stuck in the same lift, for Justice Minister Owen Bonnici to be informed of the problem.