Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri believes that the allegations made against the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) regarding recent speculations of a ‘cocaine party’ at Lyster Barracks were inflated a bit too much as the army acted correctly and in an efficient manner.
He was answering to a series of questions put forward by the media following a press conference on Monday morning.
Last Monday, the army said that one soldier was dismissed for refusing to take a urine test and that an internal inquiry had been launched following the allegations of the party, which was said to have happened two weeks prior.
On Friday, the AFM released a statement in which is said that the internal investigations showed that “no illicit substances were consumed at the place of work. This could be further corroborated by the negative results of the urine drug tests taken by all the soldiers involved.”
Net News pointed out to Minister Camilleri that the internal investigation still highlighted certain misdemeanors and asked for what they are. It also questioned whether the fact that the date when the blood tests were taken is not listed anywhere in the report could mean that the tests were not done fast enough to detect the drug in the persons concerned.
“In this particular case, the AFM followed the right procedures and showed that it has zero tolerance on the use of drugs among its members. When it discovered the case, the person who refused to test was kicked out immediately as the AFM policies indicate,” Camilleri said.
Regarding the tests he said that he is informed that the tests were done a few hours after they were discovered and there weren't any doubts about the validity of the test. “Thus, I think the allegation has been inflated a bit too much.”
Asked if a police investigation has been opened in this regard, he said that the police have the obligation to investigate everything they deem necessary, a minister does not need to tell them what they need to investigate.
Localities becoming hotspots for crime
Over the weekend, both Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said that certain localities or areas are becoming hotspots for crimes , with Abela implying that in some areas people don't feel like they can go safely out of their homes.
The Malta Independent asked Camilleri what the government is planning to do to solve this matter, questioning previous announcements on the installation of facial recognition cameras and increasing police presence in certain localities.
Camilleri said that the police force and the ministry have given directives to focus on specific areas where criminality is at its highest.
He explained that he has received positive feedback about this initiative in the past weeks, thanks to a service set up by the immigration police who are visiting such localities following reports by from citizens who do not feel safe. "The police is working closely with local councils as well so that it can decipher the best way forward."
Regarding the face recognition cameras, he said that this does not fall under the remit of his ministry, but he is informed that the installation of such cameras in Paceville has reached its concluding stages.
Expression of interest for migrant quarantine boats
The government recently opened an expression of interest for boat companies towards an initiative that will see incoming migrants being quarantined on boat before coming into Malta to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Camilleri was asked how long migrants will be quarantined for and who will be providing medical assistance.
He explained that the quarantine period is the usual 14-day period and if someone tests positive, they have to remain isolated on the boat until they recover while those who test negative immediately, will be transferred to the reception centres as usual. Medical assistance will be provided by the Redcross as well as medical personnel that fall under his ministry.
Asked if he thinks that the cost of this initiative – varying from €12,000 to €150,000 per day according to the tenders of interested boat companies – makes sense, Camilleri said that one cannot put a price on health.
"There has to be a place within our country to carry out these procedures. The worst thing that can happen is for us to not find a place of isolation in this regard. We all know that we have an obligation for migrants and the Maltese and Gozitan people alike to not have any positive cases mixing within our centres and society as well."