Two men were arraigned under arrest in front of the Magistrates’ Court and charged in connection with the discovery of a substantial cache of fireworks at a residence in the same locality.
The two men, Joseph Calleja, a 61-year-old pensioner from St Paul’s Bay, and 49-year-old Carmel Falzon from Zebbug, pleaded not guilty to the unlawful importation and possession of fireworks in a residence at Triq Is-Sindku P Vella, Zebbug.
The prosecution told the Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Duty Magistrate Giovanni Grixti, that a ‘considerable’ amount of explosives, about a van full, had been found in Falzon’s residence.
It said Falzon held a Licence B for fireworks manufacture and Calleja had a Licence C, but those licences did not allow them to store fireworks in that manner. The prosecution added that the bail conditions should reflect the seriousness of the crime.
The Magistrates’ Court granted bail to the accused against a personal guarantee of €2,000 each and a deposit of €2,000 each.
Police Superintendent Lawrence Cutajar and Inspector Anthony Cachia prosecuted.
More than a week ago, on 5 May, the entire committee of the Naxxar Peace Band club was arraigned under arrest in the Magistrates’ Court over storing explosive material in the club’s basement.

czahra@mediatoday.com.mt