Updated | Pair charged with trafficking after arriving from Sicily with 4kg cocaine hidden in car

Two Sicilians were remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges of cocaine trafficking in connection with the discovery of four kilograms of the drug in their car upon their arrival from Sicily on a catamaran.

Pizzaiolo Eriko Mucaj 18, and secretary Giovanna Scribano, 46, both from Ragusa, were brought before Magistrate Monica Vella under arrest on Thursday. 

The pair pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine, importing cocaine, possession of cocaine in circumstances indicating that it was not intended for their personal consumption.

Inspector Mark Antony Mercieca told the court that late on Tuesday night the police received a tip off that a Mercedes with Italian number plates could be on its way to Malta, transporting illicit narcotics. The information which the police had received indicated that Mucaj was the driver. 

When the vessel arrived in Malta, the police observed the disembarking vehicles, noting that Scirbano was behind the wheel of the Mercedes, not Mucaj. After checking the passenger manifest the police found that Mucaj had disembarked on foot.

When he was apprehended by the police, keys to a Mercedes were found on Mucaj’s person. He claimed that he had left the car in Sicily, but when the key fob was pressed, officers observed a car’s lights flash in the distance. 

Scirbano, when approached by the police, told them that nobody had access to the car and denied knowing Mucaj.

Customs drug sniffer dogs were deployed and indicated the driver and passenger seat, but at first glance there appeared to be nothing that the police could remove. However, an X-ray soon revealed hidden compartments in the seats.

The vehicle was sealed while Scirbano was admitted to hospital after complaining of chest pain. After her discharge the seals were removed in her presence and the secret compartments were opened while she looked on. The drugs and around €1,000 in cash were found inside. 

The woman was at one point observed to be attempting to send a message from her mobile phone, which was immediately siezed by the police. A number of messages with instructions about where to park and what to do with the money were found on the device.

Neither of the two accused persons requested bail at this stage, their lawyers explaining that this was due to the fact that they did not have a fixed address in Malta.

Lawyer Daniel Tabone from the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted alongside Police Inspector Mark Anthony Mercieca.

Lawyers Giannella De Marco and Charles Mercieca are assisting Scribano, while lawyers Joseph Giglio and Michaela Giglio are appearing for Mucaj.