A man was found with contraband hidden in his underwear has been remanded in custody.

The man, Melvin Nunes, from Suriname, arrived in Malta from Brussels at around 12.30am on Monday. In Malta International Airport, officials searched the man and found a small bag of cannabis on him, Times of Malta reported.

Nunes said the cannabis was for personal use, but when officials searched the man further, they found 200g of cocaine wrapped in tape to the man’s penis.

He was then arrested. In court on Wednesday, Nunes pleaded not guilty to trafficking cocaine and drug possession not for personal use.

Inspector Marshal Mallia noted that Nunes told people that this was not the first time he had done a job like this. He also said he was planning to settle down in Malta and find a job, though he didn’t yet have a fixed addesss.

Defence lawyer Cynthia Tomasuolo did not request bail. He was held in custody and had his assets frozen.

Vulnerable people are often targeted to illegally carry contraband in drug-producing nations across the world. Many are caught, and often face years behind bars as a result of trying to move illicit products across borders.