Labour MP claims ‘explosion’ of drug trafficking on Gozo

Labour MP Justyne Caruana has claimed in parliament that sister island Gozo is the site of an "explosion" in drug trafficking.

Addressing the House on the motion of censure moved by the Opposition against Home Affairs minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, the Gozitan lawyer claimed children of all ages were falling victim "to an indiscriminate trafficking of drugs, being also carried out openly next to schools."

Caruana called for a strengthened police drug squad to increase its presence on Gozo. "I know the police are trying to their best and a number of drug busts have been carried out. However, the drug squad must be fully equipped if we really want to attack this problem which has plagued Gozo."

Caruana also reported an increase in thefts in Gozo and that well-known criminals in Malta have carried their operation to Gozo.

"In Gozo, a feeling of distrust in the whole system is reigning. The police in Gozo lacks resources. And yet, just like an ostrich, government continues to bury its head in the sand in an attempt to ignore these needs.

"The CID and ALE are not fully equipped; there is no beach patrol and no mobile unit backup," Caruana said.

Referring to government's €1.2 million investment in new cars and maritime assets, Caruana said that not even one of the 22 mobile squad cars purchased was meant for Gozo.

Caruana said the cars used on the sister island were old and lacked data track systems, police stations were understaffed, closed off when police are on the beat, and even lacked basic facilities such as toilets.