Alex Borg Proposes Specialist Anti-Drug Squad for Gozo

Imagine this: a quiet morning in the heart of Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The sun is just beginning to warm the cobbled streets, and the scent of fresh bread wafts from the local bakery. Suddenly, a police car screeches to a halt outside a seemingly peaceful home. Inside, a team of specialist officers, trained and equipped to handle one thing – the island’s drug problem.

This isn’t a scene from a crime drama, but a vision proposed by veteran politician Alex Borg. The former Minister has called for the establishment of a specialist anti-drug squad dedicated to Gozo, a move that could significantly bolster the island’s fight against substance abuse.

Gozo, with its rich history and tight-knit communities, is no stranger to the drug problem plaguing Malta. Despite its smaller size, the island faces unique challenges in tackling this issue. Its relative isolation can make it a hub for drug trafficking, while its close-knit communities can sometimes make it difficult for authorities to gather intelligence.

Borg, who represents the Gozo constituency in Parliament, is all too aware of these challenges. “Gozo is not immune to the drug problem,” he says. “In fact, its isolation can sometimes make it a target. We need a dedicated team that understands the island’s unique dynamics and can respond effectively.”

Borg’s proposal is straightforward: create a specialist anti-drug squad based in Gozo, comprising officers from both the Malta Police Force and the Armed Forces of Malta. This squad would be trained and equipped to handle drug-related crimes, with a focus on intelligence gathering, undercover operations, and community engagement.

“We need officers who know the island like the back of their hands,” Borg explains. “They should be able to blend in, gather information, and build trust within the community. And they should have the resources and training to act swiftly and effectively when necessary.”

The squad would operate under the auspices of the existing drug squad, but with a clear focus on Gozo. It would work closely with local communities, schools, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and to gather intelligence.

Borg’s proposal has been met with both support and skepticism. Some welcome the idea of a dedicated squad, while others question whether it’s the best use of resources. But Borg remains undeterred.

“This is not about creating a new bureaucracy,” he insists. “It’s about giving our officers the tools and training they need to tackle this problem effectively. It’s about sending a clear message that we will not tolerate drug-related crime in our communities.”

The road to implementation is not clear-cut. The proposal will need to navigate the complex scene of police reform and budgetary constraints. But Borg is optimistic. “I believe that, with the support of the community and our political leaders, we can make this happen,” he says.

As for the quiet streets of Victoria, they may soon echo with a different kind of presence – one that’s there to protect, to serve, and to make a real difference in the lives of Gozo’s residents.