A 45-year-old Moroccan man was arrested at Malta International Airport after police found about 150 capsules containing suspected cannabis resin inside his stomach.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The accused was named as Adim El Habib.[7] Police put the capsules at roughly 1.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis resin, with an estimated street value of €30,000.[1][2][4][5][6][8][9][7]
Intelligence suggested the man, travelling from Morocco to Malta via Spain, could be part of an organised drug trafficking network.[1][2][3][4][5][6] Officers checked passengers on a flight from Madrid that he was due to arrive on, and arrested him.[1][2][3][4][5][8][9] He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where medical scans revealed the suspected drug-filled capsules in his stomach.[1][2][3][4][5][6][9] The capsules, about 150 in all, were seized as allegedly intended for illegal importation into Malta.[1]
Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia was informed and opened an inquiry, appointing experts to assist the investigation.[1][2][4][5][6][9] The suspect was held at the police lock-up, with his arraignment expected around noon on Tuesday before Magistrate Abigail Critien.[1][2][5] He was remanded in custody, with Magistrate Abigail Critien presiding.[8][9][7] Inspector Francesco Mizzi prosecuted, with Ylenia-Marie Abela from the Office of the Attorney General, and legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera appeared for the accused.[7] El Habib pleaded not guilty to importing cannabis resin in circumstances indicating that the substance was not intended for his personal use, and association to drug trafficking.[8][9][7] The defence did not request bail at this stage.[7] The defence did not contest the validity of his arrest.[7] During the hearing, he stated that he worked as a vegetable vendor and resided in Spain, not in Malta.[9][7] Police said investigations into the suspected trafficking operation were ongoing.[1]
