The Cabinet of Ministers has expressed its full faith in the Prime Minister’s decision to refuse the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

Camilleri offered his shock resignation on Sunday after 200kg of cannabis resin was stolen from a secure container held on army premises overnight. He also suspended the Brigadier of the Armed Forces of Malta Clinton O’ Neill from his post.

The Prime Minister however refused Camilleri’s resignation.

“The Cabinet considers Minister Camilleri’s offer to resign as a sign of responsibility.  At the same time, the Cabinet expressed its faith in the Home Affairs Minister as he has always fulfilled his role with correctness and integrity, including in this particular case,” the statement read.

This work has resulted in continuous investment in Malta’s disciplinary corps, concrete solutions for irregular immigration and a stronger fight against criminality, the statement continued.

The government said that its priorities in these circumstances are for all efforts to be made and all resources to be made available so that the police can solve this case and so those responsible can face justice as soon as possible with the full truth coming out.

“The government looks forward to the conclusions of the administrative inquiry so the facts of this case can be established and recommendations can be put forward,” the government said.

Finally, the government appealed for caution and responsibility and for there to not be any behaviour which might interfere with investigations.