The public rightly expects that officers whose job it is to ensure safety on our roads are in a condition to perform that duty, the Nationalist Party said Wednesday. It is unacceptable that, in addition to the dangers that already exist on our roads, we are faced with new risks coming from those tasked with protecting us, it added.

This recent incident, in which three LESA officers were caught on video abusing cocaine in their official vehicle, should set off alarm bells for Robert Abela's Government and for the Minister for Home Affairs, under whose remit this agency falls.

The Nationalist Party, through its spokesman for home affairs Darren Carabott, insisted that these officers have no place patrolling our streets and calls for decisive action, in light of the reputational damage caused to LESA by this incident. At the same time, it urges that the three officers be given immediate support to overcome their drug addiction.

This is a grim snapshot of the current reality in our country, where the use of cocaine has become widespread and disturbingly normalised. This is a national crisis that is tearing families apart and destroying lives.

The footage casts a dark stain on law enforcement in Malta, the PN said.

The PN said it acknowledged that the actions of three individuals should not tarnish the reputation of other LESA officers who carry out their duties with responsibility and seriousness. However, those responsible for the recruitment and supervision of these officers bear great responsibility towards the Maltese and Gozitan public.

The PN said it cannot understand what the Government is waiting for to act, and urges the launch of a strong campaign against drug use. At the same time, it must work to rebuild trust in LESA - an agency already plagued by scandals - and restore credibility in law enforcement as a whole.

The Government must show genuine commitment to launching an educational campaign against drug abuse. So far, it has failed miserably in this regard.

The PN said it expected Minister Byron Camilleri, together with LESA, to clearly and immediately inform the public how they intend to address what has happened. Simply dismissing the officers involved will not solve the problem.