Three Suspected Ringleaders Arrested In Valletta And Marsa Drug Raid Plead Not Guilty
Three people believed to be the ring leaders of a drug operation in Valletta and Marsa have pleaded not guilty to charges following their arrest in a well-publicised raid.
Judith Bakoush, a 31-year-old Maltese woman, and Morat Abdikadir Mohammed Naswan, a Libyan-born 31-year-old Valletta resident, were the first to be brought into court during the arraignments.
Bakoush is facing charges of procuring cocaine and heroin, trafficking cannabis, possession, money laundering and using proceeds from drug trafficking. Naswan is facing similar charges but has not been charged with money laundering.
However, it was revealed by Inspector Kevin Pulis on questioning by lawyer Franco Debono that the number of drugs seized was “not much” and amounted to 20 sachets.
“It was definitely over 10g,” Pulis said.
Gold, bracelets and Rolex watches were also found on the premises.
Police began investigating the pair following a tip-off, with police describing the Valletta residences as a “fortress”.
No request for bail was made but Bakoush was reprimanded for her attitude in court.
Joseph Borg, a 50-year-old man from Marsaskala who was arrested at a stable in Marsa, was charged with trafficking cocaine, heroin and cannabis. He also breached bail.
He was tracked down following the raid on the residences in Valletta. However, no details were given on the amount found. He also pleaded not guilty and did not request bail.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Francesca Zarb assisted Bakoush and Naswan. Lawyers Charles Mercieca, Gianluca Caruana Curran and Ana Thomas assisted Borg.
A total of 10 people were arrested in the raid. It remains to be seen if the remaining seven will be charged.
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