Bouncer Accused Of NYE Paceville Assault Facing Drug Trafficking Charges After Police Found 50 Cocaine Sachets
One of the five bouncers who had previously faced charges for assaulting an individual in Paceville on New Year’s Eve has returned to court, this time facing accusations of drug trafficking.
Petar Bajic, aged 35, was brought before Magistrate Monica Vella earlier today after being stopped by police officers in Paceville on Thursday.
He was allegedly found in possession of 70 grammes of cocaine divided into 50 sachets. Bajic, who resides in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking, according to the Times of Malta.
During the court hearing, Inspector Jonathan Pace stated that police officers stopped Bajic in Paceville based on a tip-off which pointed towards his drug selling activities.
Bajic confessed to possessing drugs on himself, as well as in his car. Upon searching his vehicle, which occurred after his arrest around 9:30 pm on Saturday, officers discovered weighing scales.
Bajic faces charges including trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to import or sell cocaine, possession of cocaine indicating intent to distribute, and simple possession of cocaine.
Additionally, he is accused of committing these offenses within 100 meters of a place frequented by young people.
Bajic denied all charges and has pleaded not guilty in front of Magistrate Vella.
His legal representatives, Jessica Formosa and Shazoo Ghaznavi, did not request bail at this time.
In January 2024, Bajic was charged alongside others for his involvement in an assault on New Year’s Day in Paceville, where he had been employed as a bouncer.
The assault was captured on footage released by Lovin Malta, wherein the alleged victim was subjected to being struck, kicked, and hit with a retractable baton while lying on the ground.
Bajic pleaded not guilty to those charges and was reportedly out on bail at the time of his recent arrest.
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