A Maltese shipping agent accused by Italian authorities of trafficking 10 tonnes of cannabis in 2018 has been acquitted.

43-year-old Paul Attard was accused of being involved in the trafficking operation that stemmed from Malta to Algeria.

The cannabis was found in the cold room of the shipping vessel The Quest, which Attard was acting as an agent for.

Italian authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) for Attard that was denied by magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech. They then issued a second EAW, which was initally denied by magistrate Doreen Clarke. However, Judge Aaron Bugeja overturned Clarke’s decision and the case was passed over to magistrate Noel Bartolo, who approved the EAW.

Attard’s legal team filed an appeal but Judge Giovanni Grixti confirmed the extradition, prompting the legal team to file a constitutional case.

Meanwhile, proceedings against Attard continued in Catania with the accused in absentia but represented by Italian lawyer Michele Sbezzi. During the proceedings, Sbezzi argued that since the boat was found in open seas, between Malta and Algeria, Italy should not have any jurisdiction over it.

Attard has now won the case, although his constitutional case will remain pending until Grixti receives official confirmation from Italy that the EAW has been rescinded.

Attard was represented in Malta by Franco Debono, Josè Herrera and Arthur Azzopardi.

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