Maltese truck driver arrested, another on the run over Sicilian drug bust

The man, identified as 37 year-old John Anthony Farrugia (Pictured) was arrested together with six people and are being held in custody under new tougher laws called the 'anti-mafia code' which was recently introduced in Italy.

It is understood that the police are looking for a second Maltese man in connection to their investigations.

Farrugia was arrested over the weekend when his lorry was raided by police as he arrived in Trapani.

According to the chief of Trapani's mobile police squad, the investigations are focused around the importation and trafficking of cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

Investigators revealed that the alleged criminal organisation operated from a bar in the fishing town of Mazara del Vallo, which is situated a few kilometres away from Trapani and is known for its strong Mafia influence.

Among the arrested is Claudio Corona, brother to Anna Corona who is mother to Jessica Pulizzi who is in jail over the kidnapping and disapperance of toddler Denise Pipitone, who had made the headlines in Italy in September 2004.

The group of arrested accomplices in the alleged drug ring are 32 year-old Davide Giunta, Claudio Montevago 52, Tunisian-born Atef Chaniour 36, and Francesco Gancitano 31.