UPDATE: Investigations have continued in recent days in connection with the seizure of 146 kilogrammes of drugs, allegedly cocaine, which were brought into our country by the Freeport.

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As the Malta Police Force remain committed to combat organised criminality in our country, in the past hours, a successful operation at the Malta Freeport was carried out which led to the arrest of four persons and the seizure of 146 kilogramms of drugs suspected to be cocaine, destined for the local market.

During inspections by Police at the Freeport with the assistance of the Port’s security officers, yesterday at around 1340hrs, a trailer was stopped while leaving the Freeport, as part of investigations in connection with drug importation in our country.

Following an inspection in the cabin, behind the driver and passenger seat, 105 kilogramms of suspected cocaine were found. Further searches were made in a container thereat, which led to the discovery of another 41 kilograms of the same substance. This means that a total of 146 kilogramms of drugs, suspected to be cocaine, were found with street value amounting to €20 million.

It appears that this drug, which originated from Guayaqil port in Ecuador, was destined to be sold on the local market.

Apart from the driver and passenger of the trailer, both stevedores, two Freeport workers were also arrested.

The four Maltese men under arrest are a 44-year-old from Birżebbuġa, a 46-year-old from Fgura, a 36-year-old from Żebbuġ and a 41-year-old from Żabbar.

Magistrate Dr Ian Farrugia LL.D has opened an inquiry and a police investigation is still ongoing.