A 31-year-old Gambian national residing in Ħamrun, Malta, has been denied bail after being arrested and charged in connection with drug trafficking.
Lamin Danso was arrested on Tuesday, 16th July, after Maltese police allegedly found him in possession of ten small bags of cannabis at St George’s Bay in Paceville a popular nightlife spot in the country.
The authorities have accused Danso of holding the drugs with the intention to traffic them. According to prosecutors, the incident happened just 100 metres away from an area where young people regularly gather, which under Maltese law makes the charge more serious.
Appearing in court on Thursday, Danso pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo ordered that he be held in custody, refusing a request for bail. The court did not give detailed reasons for the decision, but in Malta, suspects accused of trafficking often remain in detention until trial.
The case has been adjourned to 29th July for further proceedings.
The prosecution is being handled by lawyer Ylenia-Marie Abela from the Advocate General’s Office and Police Inspector Jonathan Cassar.
Lamin Danso is the latest in a series of African nationals to face drug-related charges in Malta, a country that has tough anti-drug laws and a growing migrant community. While cannabis has been partially decriminalised for personal use in Malta, trafficking remains a serious offence that can carry a long prison sentence.
