Gozitan MP Proposes Specialist Anti-Drug Squad

Imagine this: a quiet evening in the heart of Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The scent of fresh bread wafts from the bakery, children’s laughter echoes from the nearby playground. But beneath this peaceful facade, a persistent issue lurks – the illicit drug trade. Now, local politician Alex Borg has proposed a solution: a specialist police anti-drug squad dedicated to the sister island.

Gozo, Malta’s little sister, has long been known for its tranquility and safety. Yet, in recent years, drug-related incidents have been on the rise. From small-scale dealing to larger operations, the problem is becoming harder to ignore. The narrow streets of Rabat, the island’s old capital, have seen their fair share of trouble. Locals and tourists alike have witnessed public drug use and dealing, tarnishing the island’s otherwise pristine image.

Borg, a veteran politician and Gozitan himself, has been a vocal critic of the current situation. “We can’t stand idly by while our streets are being polluted,” he says, his voice echoing in his office at Triq San Gorg, Rabat. “Gozo deserves better. Our children deserve better.”

Borg’s solution is straightforward: a specialist police anti-drug squad, based in Gozo and focused solely on tackling the island’s drug problem. The squad would comprise of local officers, familiar with the island’s unique geography and community. They would be trained in the latest investigative techniques and equipped with the necessary tools to combat drug crime effectively.

“We need boots on the ground,” Borg explains. “Officers who know the streets, who can blend in, who can build trust with the community. We need technology – CCTV, drones, whatever it takes to monitor and disrupt drug activity.”

The squad would operate alongside existing police forces but would have its own dedicated resources and leadership. Borg envisions a unit that’s agile, proactive, and deeply integrated with the community it serves.

Borg’s proposal is not without its challenges. Funding is a significant concern. While the Maltese government has pledged support, the exact amount and how it will be allocated remain unclear. Then there’s the issue of manpower. With police resources already stretched thin, finding and training the right officers could prove difficult.

the drug problem in Gozo is complex and deeply rooted. It won’t disappear overnight, even with a dedicated squad. But Borg remains undeterred. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he says. “But we have to start somewhere. And we have to start now.”

Borg’s proposal has received widespread support from Gozitan residents. A recent survey by Hot Malta showed that 87% of respondents backed the idea of a specialist anti-drug squad. Local businesses, too, have thrown their weight behind the proposal, citing the need to protect their investments and the island’s reputation.

Now, the ball is in the government’s court. Borg is calling for a swift response, urging the authorities to allocate resources and begin recruitment as soon as possible. “We can’t afford to wait,” he says. “Every day that passes is another day our streets are blighted by drugs.”

As for the future, Borg is optimistic. “I truly believe that with the right resources and commitment, we can turn the tide on this issue. We can make Gozo a safer, cleaner place for everyone to live, work, and visit.”