A Gambian national has been remanded in custody in Malta after being charged with the importation of cannabis.
Sedia Jallow, 44, appeared before Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace following his arrest earlier this month. Prosecutors told the court that Maltese police had been alerted on 30 August to a suspected consignment of cannabis arriving on a flight from Lisbon.
Due to several flights landing at once and large crowds at the airport, officers were unable to immediately identify the suspect.
However, when all passengers had left the terminal, police noticed an unclaimed suitcase on the baggage carousel. Upon inspection, the luggage was found to contain 10 kilograms of cannabis.
Jallow was arrested on 11 September in the town of Ħaż-Żabbar. During a search of his residence, where he had lived for six months, police seized several items including shoes, bags, belts, and perfumes, estimated to be worth thousands of euros.
Prosecutors said that while Jallow did not respond to all questions during interrogation, he remained respectful and cooperative with officers.
The unemployed Gambian national has denied the charges. His defence team did not request bail, and he will remain in custody while the case proceeds.
The hearing continues before Magistrate Micallef Stafrace.
