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 playground, and the hum of local chatter fills the air. Suddenly, a car screeches to a halt, and a desperate cry for help pierces the peaceful scene. A young man, eyes wide with fear, stumbles out, clutching his chest. He’s been stabbed, and the culprit is nowhere to be found. This isn’t a scene from a crime drama; it’s a reality that’s become all too familiar in Gozo.

In the face of this escalating issue, Alex Borg, a seasoned local politician, has proposed a radical solution: a specialist police anti-drug squad dedicated to Gozo. With drug-related crimes on the rise, Borg believes that a targeted approach could turn the tide and restore peace to the sister island.

Gozo, with its idyllic landscapes and rich culture, has long been a beacon of tranquility. However, beneath its peaceful surface, a dark current has been gaining strength. Drug-related crimes have been creeping up, casting a shadow over the island’s reputation. According to the Malta Police Force, in the first half of 2021, drug-related offenses in Gozo increased by 25% compared to the same period in 2020.

Borg, who has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the issue, argues that the current resources allocated to Gozo are inadequate. “We’re dealing with a serious problem that requires a serious response,” he says. “The increase in drug-related crimes is a wake-up call that we can’t ignore.”

Borg’s proposal is straightforward: create a specialist police anti-drug squad based in Gozo. The squad would be composed of officers trained in drug enforcement, intelligence gathering, and community policing. They would operate independently, reporting directly to the Commissioner of Police, ensuring they have the autonomy and resources needed to tackle the issue effectively.

“We need a team that understands the unique challenges and dynamics of Gozo,” Borg explains. “A team that can build relationships with the community, gather intelligence, and act swiftly and decisively when necessary.”

The squad would be based in Victoria, with a presence in other major towns like Xewkija and Xagħra. They would work closely with the local community, engaging with schools, youth organizations, and local councils to educate and prevent drug abuse, while also gathering valuable intelligence.

Borg’s proposal faces several challenges. Chief among them is securing the necessary resources and political will to make it a reality. The proposal would require additional funding for training, equipment, and personnel. it would need the support of the government and the police force, who would need to be convinced of its merits.

Borg is undeterred, however. He has been meeting with local stakeholders, including the Gozitan Council and community leaders, to build support for his proposal. He has also been engaging with the police force, seeking their input and expertise to refine the proposal.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground continues to evolve. In recent weeks, there have been reports of increased drug activity in popular tourist spots like Ta’ Dbiegi and the Azure Window viewing point. The need for action is clear, and Borg’s proposal is gaining traction among the public and political circles.

As we look to the future, one thing is certain: Gozo deserves a solution to its drug problem. Whether Borg’s proposal is the answer remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the status quo is no longer an option.

“We can’t stand by and watch as our communities are torn apart by drugs,” Borg says. “We need action, and we need it now. That’s why I’m calling on everyone – the government, the police, and the community – to come together and make this happen.”