A 23-year-old man was held under arrest after being charged with destroying evidence during a police raid in Birkirkara on Thursday.

Fourteen people, including Maltese, Italian, British and Serb nationals, were arrested after police found sachets of suspected heroin, drug-related items and cash.

Axel Vella, from Senglea, was accused of destroying or attempting to alter traces of evidence during the bust. Mr Vella was also charged, in front of Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo, with being in possession of cocaine and heroin.

He pleaded not guilty but did not request bail.

Arthur Azzopardi was defence lawyer.

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