A Sicilian fish seller was paid €1,000 per trip to transport drugs between Sicily and Malta as part of an alleged €600,000 cocaine trafficking operation, a court heard on Monday.
Four individuals — Agatino Claudio Roberto, 49, and Daniela Portale, 42, both from Catania, along with Keith Spiteri, 26, of Gudja, and Jide Mallia, 26, of Santa Luċija — are facing criminal proceedings following a prolonged police investigation that led to the seizure of 12.5kg of cocaine.
The drugs were discovered concealed within a white Peugeot in a specially modified compartment behind the front driver-side mudguard. The hidden cavity was secured with what investigators described as an “alien” screw, one inconsistent with the vehicle’s original fittings.
Forensic expert Gilbert Mercieca told the court he examined the vehicle on 3 March 2026, identifying 13 blocks of cocaine concealed within the compartment.
Police Inspector Alfredo Mangion outlined how the arrests followed extensive surveillance operations conducted at the Marsa seaport and in Gudja, ultimately dismantling what is suspected to be an organised trafficking route between Sicily and Malta.
Under interrogation, Roberto allegedly admitted to acting as a courier, stating he had made 11 trips to Malta since December, receiving €1,000 for each journey.
He explained that he would collect a vehicle in Catania with keys hidden beneath a floor mat, travel to Malta, and hand it over to Spiteri in Gudja.
Roberto would then be taken to a hotel in St Julian’s while the vehicle remained parked.
Although he acknowledged his awareness that the car contained illicit substances, Roberto maintained he did not know the specific type of drug or how it was concealed.
Portale meanwhile maintained she only became suspicious during the last three trips. She had been under the impression they were travelling to Malta to help Roberto find a job.
Searches carried out at Spiteri’s residence reportedly uncovered a bag-sealing machine and branding consistent with markings found on the seized cocaine packages.
At Mallia’s residence, no incriminating items were discovered. However, police recovered tools, including screwdrivers, from his vehicle.
Defence lawyer Matthew Xuereb argued these were work tools linked to Mallia’s occupation as a gypsum worker, though the prosecution noted that surveillance had not recorded him engaging in such work over several months.
During the proceedings, the defence questioned whether plainclothes officers had drawn their firearms during Mallia’s arrest. Inspector Mangion replied that he could not confirm what had occurred, as he had not been present at the scene, but noted that officers are typically armed during high-risk operations.
The court further heard details regarding the financial circumstances of the Maltese accused. Spiteri, a registered carer, receives €130 per week in social benefits, while Mallia receives €143 weekly in disability benefits.
All four accused have pleaded not guilty.
Proceedings are ongoing before Magistrate Elaine Rizzo.
The prosecution is being led by AG lawyer Maria Francesca Spiteri, assisted by Inspector Alfredo Mangion.
Daniela Portale was represented by lawyer Alex Scerri Herrera. Agatino Claudio Roberto was assisted by lawyers Arthur Azzopardi and Jacob Magri.
Jide Mallia was represented by lawyers Marion Camilleri and Matthew Xuereb, while Keith Spiteri was assisted by lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit.
