Alex Borg Proposes Specialist Anti-Drug Squad for Gozo

Picture this: a quiet evening in the heart of Victoria, Gozo. The bustling streets are filled with the aroma of fresh bread from the local bakery, the hum of chatter from the cafes, and the distant hum of a scooter zipping through the narrow streets. Suddenly, a police patrol car cruises by, its presence a comforting reminder of the island’s safety. But what if this patrol could do more? What if it could be a proactive force, not just a reactive one?

This is the vision of Alex Borg, the Gozitan MP who’s proposing a specialist police anti-drug squad for the island. In a move that could transform the way Gozo tackles drug-related issues, Borg is calling for a dedicated unit that’s not just about enforcement, but also prevention and rehabilitation.

Gozo, with its close-knit communities and peaceful atmosphere, might seem like an unlikely hotspot for drug-related issues. But the reality is that no community is immune. According to the Malta Police Force’s annual report, drug-related offenses in Gozo have been on the rise, with a significant number of these cases involving young people.

“We can’t ignore the fact that drugs are a problem in Gozo,” says Borg. “And we can’t just arrest our way out of this. We need a broad approach that tackles the root causes and supports those affected.”

Borg’s proposal is straightforward: create a specialist anti-drug squad based in Gozo, staffed by officers trained in drug enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation. The squad would operate under the Malta Police Force but would have a dedicated focus on Gozo’s unique needs.

The squad would have several key roles:

• Prevention: Working with local schools and community groups to educate young people about the dangers of drugs and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Enforcement: Patrolling known hotspots, conducting investigations, and making arrests where necessary.
• Rehabilitation: Supporting those struggling with drug addiction by connecting them with treatment services and providing ongoing support.

“It’s about being proactive, not reactive,” says Borg. “We want to stop people from getting involved with drugs in the first place, and support those who are already struggling.”

Borg’s proposal is still in its early stages, but he’s already been meeting with local stakeholders, including the Malta Police Force and Gozitan NGOs, to discuss the details. He’s also been reaching out to the public, hosting community meetings to gather feedback and ideas.

“This is a Gozitan solution for a Gozitan problem,” says Borg. “And that means it needs to be shaped by Gozitans.”

So, what’s next? Borg is hopeful that the government will back his proposal, and he’s optimistic that the squad could be up and running within the next year. But he’s also realistic about the challenges ahead. “This won’t be easy,” he says. “But I believe it’s worth fighting for. Because every child in Gozo deserves to grow up in a safe, drug-free community.”