Bulgarian drug trafficker jailed

Bulgarian national Marius Bankov, was today jailed for two years and fined €2,400 after he admitted to trafficking cocaine.

The police apprehended the 31-year old, who lives in Spain, on 5 April after his landing in Malta. Medical checks revealed he was carrying six capsules in his stomach.

Court expert Godwin Sammut, told the court that the five capsules contained 29.25 grams of 38% pure cocaine. The drug has a street value of €1,865.

The accused was in possession of another capsule which contained 7.11 grams of cutting agent.

Bankov admitted to associating himself with others to traffic drugs, and importing and being in possession of cocaine, which was not for his personal use.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale noted that Bankov had collaborated with the investigators and filed a guilty plea early in the proceedings.

The Bulgarian drug mule was handed a two year prison term and fined €2,400. The court explained that should the accused fail to pay the fine, it will be converted into a further jail term.

Inspector Malcolm Bondin prosecuted, while lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the accused.