A 37-year-old Maltese man was arrested yesterday evening during his way back from Sicily after a police investigation related to drug trafficking and importation.

The man, who resides in Fgura, was intercepted upon his arrival in Malta via a catamaran from Sicily.

Following searches conducted by the police and the investigations carried out, it was found that he had around seven kilograms of suspected cocaine and 100 grams of suspected cannabis resin concealed inside the rear axle of the Ford Transit van he was driving.

The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be over €400,000.

Magistrate Victor Axiak was informed and ordered an inquiry. The man is currently being held in police lock-up at the General Headquarters in Floriana and is expected to appear in court in the coming days.

Members of the Customs Department assisted the police during this operation.

Police investigations are ongoing