Three inmates refusing food after positive drugs test

Three prison convicts are refusing to eat after they tested positive to an unspecified narcotic substance.

The ministry for home affairs said the three inmates tested positive to a random test carried out at Corradino Correctional Facility, and were placed in a confinement division and removed from their daily activities as part of disciplinary steps.

After these disciplinary steps, the three inmates refused to eat since Friday. The ministry said the three inmates were currently in a state of good health and were being monitored by the CCF's medical staff.

"The presence of drugs in prison is yet another clear failure on the government's part"- Beppe Fenech Adami

Shadow Home Affairs minister Beppe Fenech Adami insisted that the government’s plan to tackle and eliminate drugs from prisons has failed.

Quoting the government’s statement on the matter, Fenech Adami said that given the fact that the government had made this promise something of a rallying cry, the government had failed even in this respect. 

“Three prisoners tested for drugs were found positive earlier today,” the PN statement reads.

“Regardless of the government’s empty promises, drugs are still a very strong problem,” it continues explaining that it is often brought into the facility through illicit means until it ultimately reaches the prisoners.

“The government and minister Carmelo Abela have a lot to answer for, and they need to ensure that addicts are given the necessary help,” the statement continues, adding that investigations into who and how drugs found their way into the prisons was also necessary.