Taxi driver caught with 87 drug sachets spared re-arrest

A taxi driver caught with 87 drug sachets under his seat last Sunday was spared re-arrest when his bail was challenged, but was barred from approaching the coast or airport as bail conditions were tightened.

Angus Camenzuli, 25, from Attard, had been granted bail on Tuesday after pleading not guilty upon his arraignment over aggravated possession of cocaine, cannabis possession, breaching previous bail conditions as well as recidivism.

That bail concession was challenged by the Attorney General by means of an application to the Criminal Court, even in view of the fact that the accused was familiar with some of the civilian witnesses who were still to testify.

Moreover, a family member of the accused had apparently attempted to contact one of these witnesses prior to the arraignment, the court was told.

The man’s lawyers, led by Franco Debono, countered that the duty magistrate who had presided over the arraignment, had been informed of such concerns before deciding on bail.

The prosecution’s fears were unfounded and there was no legal basis to revoke bail, given that the accused had abided by court conditions, the defence argued.

A court must evaluate the situation well before...