
A 37-year-old man from Xgħajra has been arrested following the discovery of 35 kilograms of cocaine at the Malta Freeport. The arrest came as part of a joint surveillance operation conducted by the Malta Police in collaboration with Freeport security personnel.
At around 5:45am on Wednesday, authorities intercepted a vehicle exiting the Freeport as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficking. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers found approximately 7kg of a substance believed to be cocaine. Further searches within the Freeport premises uncovered an additional 28kg, bringing the total seizure to 35kg, with an estimated street value of €2 million.
Police believe the man, who is employed at the Freeport, removed the drugs from a shipping container. The narcotics were allegedly being stored with the intention of being smuggled out in smaller quantities over time.
A magisterial inquiry, led by Magistrate Ian Farrugia, has been opened, and investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the operation and any potential accomplices.
The suspect is set to appear in court on Thursday at around 11:30am, where he will be arraigned before Magistrate Astrid May Grima to face drug trafficking-related charges.
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