Anti-drug squad police officers caught a man with 20kg of cannabis after watching him exit a garage carrying a sizeable sack, a court heard on Saturday.

Etienne Farrugia, a 41-year-old chauffeur, sat in court as an inspector told magistrate Rachel Montebello that officers saw him speak to a group of people, enter a garage in Żebbuġ and exit it with a sack in tow.

He placed the sack inside his van and then drove off. Officers followed him for a while before stopping and searching his van. They found 20kg of cannabis in the sack and more than €4,000 in cash. Mr Farrugia then admitted to having 3kg of heroin stashed at home.

Separately, police officers stopped and searched a car containing the people Mr Farrugia had been seen talking to. Inside, they found around €40,000 in cash, the court heard.

Mr Farrugia, who was charged with aggravated drug possession, denied the charges and requested bail.

Magistrate Montebello denied that request and Mr Farrugia was remanded in custody.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and that more people may be arraigned in connection with the case.

Inspectors Frank Tabone and Marc Anthony Mercieca prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were counsel for the defence.