Sicilian man accused of importing 54kg of cannabis
A 47-year-old individual from Sicily, Fabio Nastasi, was extradited to Malta from Spain based on a European arrest warrant. Nastasi appeared before Magistrate Rachel Montebello and entered a plea of not guilty to charges of conspiring to deal in drugs, trafficking, and possession with the intent to sell on or before June 2023. The arrest was linked to the apprehension of Sicilian Santo Arena in June 2023, where approximately 54 kilograms of cannabis were discovered in an apartment in St Paul’s Bay. Arena faced charges of trafficking and aggravated possession of the cannabis, with an estimated street value of around €880,000. (Times of Malta)
Government resorts to renting despite owning 4,000 unused properties
Despite the Maltese government owning more than 4,000 unused properties, a preliminary review by the National Audit Office reveals that numerous government entities continue to lease around 260 properties from the private sector. This leasing arrangement covers a total area of 213,112 square meters, with an annual cost of €22 million and an overall valuation exceeding €204 million for the entire duration of the leases. The National Audit Office is conducting the review to assess the extent to which the government’s leasing of private property demonstrates value for money. (Maltatoday)
Danish national sentenced 40 years in connection with Sliema murder
Jesper Kristiansen, one of the three men charged in connection with a double murder in Sliema four years ago, was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The Danish national was accused of the murder of Christian Pandolfino and Ivor Maciejowski at their residence in Sliema in August 2020. Kristiansen was to enter a guilty plea against the agreed punishment of 40 years and his share of court expenses. Reports indicate that Kristiansen will be able to testify against his co-accused without the fear of self-incrimination. (The Malta Independent)
