Five arrested in major drug, money laundering crackdown
Police arrested five people following a series of raids across Msida, Sliema and Swieqi, seizing 13kg of suspected cocaine and cannabis, over €386,000 in cash, and jewellery valued at around €150,000. The suspects, four men and one woman aged 27 to 35, are Italian nationals and are expected to face charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and participating in a criminal organisation. Two vehicles and a firearm, later confirmed as stolen, were also confiscated. Authorities said the operation followed weeks of investigation into foreign criminal networks operating in Malta, with the seized drugs estimated to have a street value of €250,000. A magisterial inquiry has been opened under Magistrate Monica Borg Galea. (Times of Malta)
Malta-Gozo Sea Transport Reaches Record Numbers
Malta-Gozo sea transport recorded 1.84 million passengers in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the NSO, marking an increase over the same period in 2024. A total of 11,829 trips were carried out, with December the busiest month at 4,029 crossings. The Mġarr–Ċirkewwa route alone handled over 1.52 million passengers and 529,930 vehicles, reflecting an 8.5% increase in passengers and 4.5% in vehicles. Trips were most frequent in October, while passenger traffic peaked on weekends, highlighting strong demand for inter-island transport. The data underscores growing mobility between Malta and Gozo and continued reliance on ferries for both commuters and tourists. (The Malta Independent)
New Forum to Tackle Poverty and Social Exclusion
A new forum has been established to address poverty and social exclusion in Malta. At its inaugural meeting, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon emphasised that the forum reflects the government’s commitment to policies that adapt to evolving social realities. Operating independently from the government, the forum will provide impartial advice as a sign of responsible governance. Participants include representatives from trade unions, employers, academia, civil society, various organisations, and policy experts. Minister Falzon highlighted that despite significant efforts in recent years, poverty and social exclusion remain pressing issues due to economic shifts, demographic changes, labour market transformations, and emerging social challenges. (TVM News)
