Pizzeria In Germany Raided After Serving Cocaine Sides

Oct 23 2024

Police in western Germany raided a pizzeria accused of serving cocaine alongside menu item number 40. Authorities were tipped off in March by food inspectors, prompting drug squad officers to monitor the restaurant.

When they attempted to arrest the 36-year-old manager at his apartment, he reportedly threw a bag of drugs out the window, directly into the arms of waiting officers.

In the apartment, police found 1.6kg of cocaine, 400g of cannabis, and €268,000 in cash. Despite being briefly released, the manager resumed selling both drugs and pizzas, allowing investigators to further track the drug supply chain.

This led to a major bust weeks later, where 150 officers raided two cannabis plantations in Mönchengladbach and Solingen, discovering a total of 360 plants.

Homes and businesses linked to 12 suspects were also searched, resulting in three arrests, including a 22-year-old believed to be the head of the drug operation.

Weapons, money, and luxury watches were also seized.

The pizzeria manager was rearrested while trying to flee the country and remains in custody. Police have not disclosed details about others involved in the operation or the cost of the pizza-drug combo, though the number 40 pizza was reportedly a popular item.

#MaltaDaily

‘I Was Given 3 Years, But I’m Grateful To Be Entering My 9th Year With ALS’

Oct 23 2024

Bjorn Formosa, a prominent figure in ALS awareness, celebrated his 38th birthday with a heartfelt message of gratitude and hope. Diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) nine years ago, Formosa was initially given just three years to live. Despite the challenges of living with this debilitating condition, he expressed his gratitude for the extra years he’s been granted, stating, “It is certainly not an easy life, but I am happy that we are helping many people.”

To mark the occasion, Formosa launched a special birthday fundraising campaign, encouraging supporters to donate. The funds raised will go towards ongoing ALS initiatives that provide support for those affected by the condition. As an added incentive, donors have the chance to win a Christmas trip, further motivating people to contribute.

Formosa continues to inspire many with his resilience and dedication to making a difference for the ALS community. His message remains clear: through continued support, lives can be changed.

#MaltaDaily

COLA Expected To Be Set At €5.24, Spunt.mt Predicts

Oct 23 2024

According to Spunt.mt, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024 is expected to be set at €5.24. This annual adjustment, awarded to all workers, compensates for inflation experienced over the previous year.

The COLA is calculated using a fixed formula based on the minimum wage and a basket of essential products.

Spunt.mt’s economists projected the COLA figure based on inflation data published in September, ahead of its official announcement in the upcoming Budget.

According to NSO, in September 2024, Malta’s annual inflation rate, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), dropped to 2.1%, down from 2.4% in August.

The highest annual inflation rates in September were recorded in Education (4.1%) and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (4.0%). In contrast, the lowest rates were in Communication (-5.1%) and Clothing and Footwear (-2.0%).

The largest upward pressure on inflation came from the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index, contributing +0.61 percentage points, driven primarily by higher vegetable prices. Restaurants and Hotels (+0.56 percentage points) and Transport (+0.30 percentage points) also contributed, reflecting increased costs in restaurant services and car maintenance.

On the downside, Communication (-0.19 percentage points) and Clothing and Footwear (-0.08 percentage points) saw price declines, particularly in mobile services and clothing.

#MaltaDaily

Expanding Horizons: Servizz.Gov’s Freephone 153 Welcomes New Services

Oct 23 2024

Servizz.gov’s Freephone 153, Malta’s largest helpline, has expanded its services with the addition of Enemalta and the Department of Animal Welfare.

Following a successful pilot project, this agreement allows Servizz.gov representatives to manage customer care calls for both entities, further extending the wide range of government services already available through the same number.

These include social, educational, tax-related inquiries, Active Aging, and more.

List of extension numbers:

Sapport – Extension 05
Tax – Extension 06
VAT – Extension 07
Capital Transfer Duty – Extension 08
Social Security – Extension 11
Active Aging – Extension 12
Education – Extension 14
Enemalta – Extension 15
Energy and Water Services – Extension 16
Animal Welfare – Extension 17
Jobsplus – Extension 18
*Budget – Extension 25
Other services – Extension 00

Freephone 153 handled an impressive 863,126 calls in 2023 alone, with an average of 3,000 daily calls. To improve efficiency and offer a better customer experience, Servizz.gov has now introduced extension numbers, allowing citizens to directly connect to the service they need.

Customers can enter the relevant extension number to quickly reach the appropriate department or receive guidance through available options for seamless service.

During the signing ceremony, Servizz.gov CEO Massimo Vella highlighted the agency’s continuous expansion of its service portfolio, with more government entities expected to join.

Enemalta Executive Chairman Ryan Fava and Permanent Secretary Sharlo Camilleri represented their respective entities during the agreement’s formalization.

*This line will be active from 29th October 2024

#MaltaDaily