Robert Abela Defends Armed Forces After 200 Kilo Drug Theft From Its Premises
Prime Minister Robert Abela defended the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) after the theft of 200 kilograms of drugs from its premises.
The drugs were stolen in the early hours of Sunday morning after being seized last year. They were being held in a container at the Safi Barracks following a request by the courts pending destruction.
Hours later, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri offered his resignation to the Prime Minister who refused it. Camilleri also suspended Brigadier Clinton J O’Neill following the theft.
When asked by a Times of Malta journalist whether he remains confident in the army’s ability to defend the country, he began by reiterating that three forms of investigations are currently ongoing: one by the police, another led by Magistrate Antoine Agius Bonnici and an administrative inquiry led by retired judge Geoffrey Valencia.
He went on to say that the neither the armed forces nor any other disciplinary forces should be condemned in a general sense. However, he assured that those responsible will be held accountable once the inquiries are concluded.
Abela continued by emphasising the need to take a holistic look at the army’s work. He particularly noted that the army’s duties in handling irregular migration is the “most sensitive function” of preventing arrivals and saving lives.
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