Three Sicilians remanded in custody after drugs bust

Sicilian nationals Claudio di Bella, 30, Alfio Strano, 48, and 54-year old Fernando Rubino, were remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges of drug trafficking.

Prosecuting inspector Gabriel Micallef explained to the court that yesterday the police apprehended the three men in Paceville, after weeks of investigation. The arrests were made at 3am, moments after the Sicilians arrived in Malta. Around five kilos of cannabis resin and two packets containing cannabis grass were found in their vehicle.

The three were charged with association to traffic cannabis, importation and possession of cannabis grass and resin, in circumstances denoting it was not for personal use.

The prosecution demanded that the court issue a seizure order over all monies, property and assets owned by the accused.

The three accused pleaded not guilty and Magistrate Miriam Hayman remanded the men in custody.

Legal aid lawyers Cedric Mifsud and Martin Fenech appeared for the accused.