Borg Proposes Specialist Police Squad for Gozo’s Drug Fight

Imagine walking down the bustling Triq ir-Repubblika in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, on a sunny afternoon. The scent of fresh pastizzi wafts through the air, children laugh as they play in the nearby park, and life seems to move at a leisurely pace. Yet, beneath this idyllic surface, a persistent issue lurks: drug abuse. Now, local politician Alex Borg has proposed a solution – a specialist police anti-drug squad dedicated to Gozo.

Gozo, Malta’s sister island, has long grappled with drug-related issues. While it may not face the same scale of problems as its bigger neighbor, the impact of drug abuse on the close-knit Gozitan community is profound. According to the Malta Police, drug-related offenses in Gozo have been on the rise, with cannabis and synthetic drugs being the most prevalent.

Borg, a veteran politician and current Opposition whip, is no stranger to Gozo’s challenges. “I’ve seen firsthand the destruction drug abuse causes – families torn apart, young lives ruined,” he says. “We need a targeted, effective response.”

Borg’s solution is straightforward yet innovative: establish a specialist police anti-drug squad based in Gozo. The squad, comprising local officers with a deep understanding of the community, would focus exclusively on drug-related crimes. “We need boots on the ground, officers who know the streets, the people, and the challenges,” Borg explains.

The squad would operate differently from the current setup. It would work closely with local councils, NGOs, and community leaders, fostering a collaborative approach to tackle drug abuse. Prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation would be as important as enforcement.

“We can’t arrest our way out of this problem,” Borg says. “We need to address the root causes, provide support, and give people hope.”

Borg’s proposal is still in its early stages. The next step, he says, is consultation. “We’ll be speaking to the police, local councils, NGOs, and the public. We want to hear everyone’s ideas and concerns.”

Once the feedback is in, the proposal will be refined and presented to the government. Borg is optimistic about its chances. “This is a non-partisan issue. We all want what’s best for Gozo and its people.”

As for the timeline, Borg is cautious but hopeful. “We want to see this happen as soon as possible. But we also want to get it right. So, we’re looking at a year, maybe two, for planning, consultation, and implementation.”