Malta Police Dismantle Organised Crime Group Involved in Drug Trafficking

Mar 10 2025

After weeks of investigations and surveillance, and through Intelligence-Led Policing, the Malta Police Force have dismantled an organised crime group involved in drug importation and trafficking across Europe on Saturday.

Acting on gathered intelligence, officers surrounded an apartment block on Triq Alfred Craig, Tal-Pietà, on Saturday morning.

From these apartments, they arrested three men and a woman, all Romanian nationals, and seized approximately 10 kilograms of cannabis with an estimated street value of €150,000. Another Romanian man was arrested at a hotel in Gżira.

The arrested men are aged 36, 40, and 44, while the woman is 33. They were being held at the Floriana police lock-up and were arraigned in court today at noon (12:00) before Magistrate Dr Marsanne Farrugia LL.D.

In court, Stelica State, 44, Ion Palade, 36, Claudiu Dangeanu, and Petronela Chiriac, 33, were all charged with the possession and trafficking of cannabis. Dangeanu also faced an additional charge of possessing a psychoactive substance.

All four pleaded not guilty and none of them requested any bail. The court, presided over by Magistrate Marsanne Farrugia, also ordered the freezing of their assets.

Chiriac was defended by lawyers Franco Debono and Adreanna Zammit, whilst the others received legal aid from lawyer Martine Herrera.

The prosecution was led by inspectors Alfredo Mangion and John Leigh Howard alongside AG lawyer Maria Francesca Spiteri.

#MaltaDaily

Sarah Bajada Brings Back ‘Figolli Kits’ In Aid Of Puttinu Cares

Mar 10 2025

Local presenter and influencer Sarah Bajada is bringing back her yearly Figolli Kit for parents and kids to create their own figolli for Easter.

For the third consecutive year, Sarah will be introducing kits for parents who might not have the time to make their own figolli.

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The kit provides a ready made figolla with the necessary decorative food-materials for kids to learn to create their own figolli.

All proceeds from the project will, as always, go to Puttinu Cares.

The main aim, Sarah explains, is to teach kids how they can help other people. Last year, Sarah raised €2,000 for the NGO that helps kids battle cancer, and this year’s kits will be no different!

#MaltaDaily

Keith Demicoli To Run At London Marathon For Hospice UK

Keith Demicoli To Run At London Marathon For Hospice Malta

Mar 10 2025

Beloved local tv personality Keith Demicoli announced that he will be running his first ever full marathon on the 27th of April 2025.

‘I’m running the London Marathon. Not just for myself, but for those who don’t have the luxury of time’, wrote Keith.

Keith reflected on his experience witnessing his father being diagnosed with a serious illness.

‘“We have time.” That’s what I kept telling myself when my father was diagnosed with a serious illness. We still had time to talk, time to laugh, time to cherish the little things’, wrote Keith. ‘But as the days passed, I realised that time isn’t just about counting moments. It’s about making them count.’

‘Hospice UK supports over 200 hospices, caring for 300,000 people every year but they need our help.’

‘I’ve never run a full marathon before. 42.2 kilometres is an immense challenge. Training has been tough, early mornings, long distances, aching muscles. But every step reminds me why I’m doing this, because the struggle I feel on race day is nothing compared to what families facing serious illness go through every single day.’

People can officially contribute to the cause, with 46% (€463) of the €1,000 target reached so far. You can donate here.

#MaltaDaily

Ivan J. Bartolo Reveals Decision To Not Contest Next General Election

Mar 10 2025

Nationalist MP Ivan J. Bartolo has revealed that he will not be contesting in the next general election, which will supposedly take place in 2027.

In a statement, he explained that this decision, made with responsibility and loyalty towards the electorate, is solely driven by evolving family commitments that now require him to travel abroad more frequently to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

The Nationalist MP described his 9-year spell in politics as a period of both triumphs and challenges, one that has been a privilege, an honour, and a true opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Bartolo has not only spent his 9-years in politics as an MP but has also had roles as a Shadow Minister as well as being the first ever President of Social Dialogue of Partit Nazzjonalista, appointed by Bernard Grech.

Bartolo reaffirmed his commitment to actively contributing throughout the current parliamentary legislature.

He also pledged to support the eventual implementation of a bold and ambitious economic reform agenda aimed at driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability, should the electorate entrust the Nationalist Party with governing the country in the next general election.

He believes that the Nationalist Party’s economic, social, and political vision will secure a better quality of life for all, restoring the country’s reputation and attracting high-quality investment.

He expressed his deep gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his political journey and looks forward to new opportunities beyond frontline politics.

#MaltaDaily