OPM publishes Gozo inquiry terms of reference

The Office of the Prime Minister has published the terms of reference of the inquiry appointed to investigate the alleged political interference in a case of drug trafficking in Gozo.

When first appointed on February 28, the inquiry was originally led by lawyer Frank Testa. He however recused himself after finding out that a person involved in the case was related to his colleague.

The Prime Minister, on March 2, then moved to appoint lawyer John Vassallo. The inquiry was meant to present its conclusions in three weeks, but Vassallo requested an extension. Witnesses spoken to by the inquiry include MaltaToday’s managing editor, Saviour Balzan.

The report of the inquiry is now expected on April 5.

The Nationalist Party has been calling on the government to publish the terms of reference.

According to the document published today by the OPM, the inquiry was asked to examine all circumstances which led to the arrest of two youths and the changes effected to statements given to police following the alleged intervention of senior government officials.

The inquiry was also asked to determine whether the correct procedure was followed and to determine whether any form of external intervention took place.

The inquiry was given three weeks to investigate MaltaToday’s report.

Timeline of events:

• June 2013

A young woman from Sannat and a young man from Victoria are caught with nine packets of cocaine by the CID at the Caliente party, in Mgarr ix-Xini. The woman admits to possession but alleges that she bought drugs from a man from Victoria and another man from Munxar. She says this in the presence of a number of CID officials.

• September 2013

A young man from Munxar is caught in Marsalforn, in possession of cannabis.

• October 2013 

A government minister escorted by two police motorcyclists arrives at Gozo ministry at 10:30pm. Another minister is already in the building. At 11pm, the father of the Munxar suspect enters the ministry, and exits at 1:30am.

• October 2013

The young woman visits the Victoria police station with her lawyer and demands to change her statement. She declares that the Munxar man was not her source for drugs.

• January 2017

MaltaToday reports statements made in the House of Representatives by shadow Gozo minister Chris Said regarding “a secretive and sinister meeting” in the Gozo ministry related to an alleged cover-up in a drug investigation.

• February 2017

MaltaToday reveals details of the story but does not mention names. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat opens an inquiry into the allegations. Gozo minister Anton Refalo and former home affairs minister Manuel Mallia deny any knowledge of the events. Lawyer Frank Testa is appointed to lead the inquiry.

• March 2017

Testa recuses himself after finding out that a person involved in the case is related to an employee of the law firm. Dr John Vassallo is appointed.