Imagine this: a quiet evening in the heart of Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The hum of conversation from the cafés spills onto the cobbled streets. Suddenly, a hush falls as a group of young people, eyes glazed, stumble past. This is not an uncommon scene on the sister island, sparking a call to action from local politician Alex Borg.

The Drug Problem in Gozo: A Growing Concern

Gozo, often romanticized as a peaceful, rural idyll, is not immune to the scourge of drugs. While the problem is not as pronounced as in Malta’s urban areas, it’s a growing concern. According to recent statistics, drug-related offenses in Gozo have increased by 15% in the past year. Alex Borg, a long-time resident and Nationalist Party candidate, has had enough.

“We can’t stand by and watch our communities be destroyed by drugs,” Borg says, his voice echoing in his office at Triq San Gorg, Victoria. “We need a proactive approach, and that’s why I’m proposing a specialist police anti-drug squad for Gozo.”

A Specialist Squad: The Proposed Solution

Borg’s proposal is straightforward: create a dedicated squad within the Gozo Police, trained and equipped to tackle drug-related crime. The squad would operate undercover, gathering intelligence, and conducting sting operations. Borg envisions a team of around 10 officers, drawn from the existing force and supplemented by new recruits.

“We have excellent officers in Gozo,” Borg says, “but they’re spread thin. A specialist squad would allow us to focus resources where they’re needed most.”

Challenges and Next Steps

Borg’s proposal faces challenges. Funding is a significant issue, with the government already stretched thin. Then there’s the question of manpower. Gozo’s police force is small, and losing officers to a new squad could strain resources elsewhere.

Borg acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic. “We’re not asking for the moon,” he says. “We’re asking for a commitment to tackle a real problem. I believe, given the evidence, that the government will see the sense in this proposal.”

The next step, Borg says, is to build a coalition of support. He’s already met with local councils and community leaders, and the response has been positive. Now, he’s turning his attention to the public. “I want to hear from ordinary Gozitans,” he says. “Their voices matter. Their support could make all the difference.”

So, the next time you’re in Victoria, or any of Gozo’s other towns, look around. See the potential, the vibrancy, the life. Then imagine what it could be like without the shadow of drugs. That, says Alex Borg, is what he’s fighting for.