Alex Borg Proposes Specialist Anti-Drug Squad for Gozo

Imagine this: a quiet Gozitan village street, usually filled with the hum of local chatter and the scent of fresh bread from the nearby panetteria. But today, it’s hushed, eyes darting nervously. Word’s out that the police are on the prowl again, but is it enough? This is the reality for many Gozitan communities grappling with a persistent drug problem. Now, veteran politician Alex Borg is proposing a radical solution: a specialist anti-drug squad dedicated to the sister island.

Gozo, with its idyllic landscapes and tight-knit communities, has long been seen as a haven from Malta’s urban woes. But it’s not immune to the scourge of drugs. Incidents have been on the rise, from drug-related arrests to overdoses. The most recent figures from the Malta Police Force show a 15% increase in drug-related offences in Gozo between 2019 and 2020.

Local residents and community leaders have been vocal about their concerns. “It’s not just about the drugs themselves,” says Maria, a long-time Victoria resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s the fear, the tension it brings to our communities. We deserve better.”

Alex Borg, a seasoned Nationalist Party MP and former Minister, has heard these cries for help. He’s proposing the creation of a specialist anti-drug squad based in Gozo, with a dedicated team of officers trained to tackle the island’s unique challenges. “Gozo needs a strong, targeted response to this problem,” Borg says. “A dedicated squad would mean quicker response times, better intelligence gathering, and a stronger presence on the ground.”

The proposed squad would operate under the existing Malta Police Force, but with a high degree of autonomy. It would be based in Victoria, with a presence in other major Gozitan towns. Borg estimates that it would require around 20-25 officers, including detectives, uniformed officers, and support staff.

While Borg’s proposal has been met with enthusiasm from many Gozitan residents and community leaders, there are challenges ahead. The most significant is funding. The squad would require additional resources, both human and material. Borg is confident that, with political will, these resources can be secured.

Another challenge is public cooperation. To be effective, the squad will need the support and information from the community. “We need people to feel comfortable coming forward, to trust that their information will be handled sensitively and used effectively,” says Borg.

The next step, according to Borg, is to build a cross-party consensus around the proposal. He’s already begun discussions with Labour MP and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri. “This is not a political issue,” says Borg. “It’s about keeping our communities safe.”

Borg’s proposal is a bold step in the battle against drugs in Gozo. It’s a recognition that the sister island has its own unique challenges, and that it deserves its own unique solutions. As one Victoria resident puts it, “It’s about time we had a police force that truly understands and serves our community.”