A 51-year-old Somali national was arraigned in court on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges related to cocaine trafficking in Paceville.
Abdulaziz Abdikadir Hasan denied accusations of dealing cocaine, as well as possessing the drug in circumstances indicating it was not intended for personal use.
He also pleaded not guilty to committing the alleged offence within 100 metres of a club frequented by young people and to living an idle and vagrant life.
Police inspector Alfredo Mangion told the court that officers had observed two individuals, including the accused, approaching passers-by in Paceville. Suspecting drug dealing activity, the police stopped Hasan and carried out a search, which led to the discovery of eight sachets containing a white powder believed to be cocaine.
No request for bail was made at this stage.
The case is being heard before Magistrate Monica Vella. The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyer Nadia Ciappara, assisted by Inspector Mangion. Legal aid lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar is representing the accused.