Four Maltese nationals have been arrested following a police raid in Marsa linked to drug trafficking and possession, in an operation that also uncovered a significant quantity of substances allegedly prepared for distribution.
The raid, carried out on Friday, was the result of several days of surveillance and investigations by multiple police units, the police said Saturday. The operation began at around 11am and focused on areas known for garages and remittances, particularly Triq il-Ġerrejja and Triq is-Serkin.
During the operation, a 44-year-old man was arrested after being found in possession of approximately 50 sachets containing substances suspected to be cocaine and heroin. A further search conducted in the vicinity led officers to discover an additional 50 sachets. The man is expected to be arraigned in court in the coming days and charged with drug trafficking.
Three other individuals – a 23-year-old man, a 42-year-old man, and a 24-year-old woman – were also arrested in the same area. They were found in possession of substances suspected to include cannabis, cocaine, and synthetic drugs. They are expected to face charges related to drug possession.
Police investigations extended to a particular garage in the area, where officers discovered a larger cache of drugs. A total of 278 sachets of cannabis, 126 sachets of heroin, and nine sachets of cocaine were found, all packaged in small bags and ready for sale. Officers also seized approximately €1,400 in cash, along with CCTV equipment installed around the premises.
Magistrate Dr Monica Borg Galea has been informed of the case and is leading an inquiry.
In the course of the same operation, four foreign nationals were also arrested for residing in Malta illegally. Following the necessary checks, they were issued return orders and taken to a detention centre pending their repatriation to their countries of origin.