The Police are aware of various notable individuals who are involved in the cocaine and drug importation business for the local market. The consumption of cocaine has skyrocketed during the past few years under consecutive Labour administrations and you can read more about this phenomenon in my latest book.
Recently, various cocaine and drug importers from the Marsa, Hamrun, Qormi areas have been notably involved in police investigations. These individuals also participated in football clubs and horse races in Marsa, laundering their money through, bars, restaurants and food and beverage businesses. Another particular individual currently being investigated by the Police in relation to the large cocaine bust was also present during the incident in Hamrun where a group of individuals were arrested for attacking the Police.
The Police’s Drug Squad is known to be one of the most successful police units, but it is also understaffed and lacks the collaboration and valuable input of an active financial crime investigative unit. This has resulted in a situation where the illicit proceeds of drug sales are easily laundered.
Recent major cases of alleged drug dealers involved the case of Paul Attard, who has jailed in Italy, and Christian Borg is currently undergoing court proceedings over money laundering but only of his supposedly legitimate business activities.
The volume of illicit drugs proceeds laundered into the civilian economy has been voluminous in the recent years but, only a small fraction of it is actually investigated, prosecuted, let alone seized. Last year the FIAU investigated up to 366 reports about money laundering related to illegal drugs.
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