Malta court sentences Nigerian man to eight years imprisonment for importing 100 capsules of cocaine worth €300,000 in his stomach

.....

While his person and belongings were clear, he later admitted to swallowing the pills while at Mater Dei.

Chukukwere initially pleaded not guilty during his arraignment but at the sitting held on 23 February 2026, Chukukwere declared that he was guilty of all the charges brought against him.

A joint application between the Attorney General was filed, reaching an agreement on the punishment to be imposed by the court, that of 8 years effective imprisonment and a fine of €15,000.

In view of the guilty plea entered and subsequently confirmed by the accused, court the accused guilty of all the charges brought against him.

With regard to the punishment to be imposed, although the accused did not enter a guilty plea at the earliest stages of these proceedings, he pleaded guilty before the Bill of Indictment was issued against him.

The serious nature of the offences and the circumstances of the case were taken into consideration, including the fact that the accused imported into Malta one hundred capsules containing 981.4 grams of cocaine, with an average purity of 87% and an estimated street value €57,903.

In its reasoning, the court stressed that the punishment must reflect the gravity of organised drug crime, particularly where large quantities are involved.

The court sentenced Chukukwere to eight years effective imprisonment and fined €15,000.

Chukukwere was also required to pay to the Registrar €1,559.39 in expert costs.

The Criminal Court further ordered the forfeiture of his movable and immovable assets and to order the   destruction of the drugs unless they are needed in separate proceedings.

Judge Natasha Galea Sciberras presided over the case.