Crime gangs needed new ‘methods’ to import drugs during COVID pandemic

Organised crime gangs needed to find new methods and routes to import illegal drugs into Malta because of COVID-19 restrictions.
In its latest annual report, covering 2021, the security services (MSS) said travel restrictions due to the pandemic impacted the modus operandi of criminal groups.

This was because the “usual” routes and methods used by these gangs to import drugs were disrupted.
COVID-19 restrictions in countries from where illegal drugs are usually imported also led to “a lack of supply” in Malta. The security services noted a similar phenomenon in 2020.
However, Malta’s island geography meant there were still lots of potential routes, methods and localities for drug importers to exploit, the MSS said.

Furthermore, although drugs were still available on the local market, the COVID-19 restrictions, which saw the closure of restaurants, bars and clubs, meant that drug dealers were unable to go about their normal business, the MSS said.
Despite these supply restrictions, drug arrests and seizures in 2021 were described as “substantial”.
Apart from combatting the drug trade, the MSS is also charged with protecting Malta from potential terrorist threats.
The MSS said...