Casual election after resignation of Floriana deputy mayor

Floriana deputy mayor Ivan Hallett has resigned his seat, and a casual election has been called to fill his vacancy.

The Labour deputy mayor was taken in for questioning by the police last week in an investigation dealing with alleged contraband goods.

Hallett runs International Express, which operates a fleet of 20 vehicles travelling between Malta and Sicily on a daily basis, organising groupage for general goods and foods.

A search from Customs officials has resulted in the discovery of a large quantity of alcohol in the company’s stores on which no duty had been paid. The Customs Department said that no fewer than 2,634 bottles of liqueur, 2,280 bottles of vermouth, 2,616 bottles of vodka, 552 bottles of whisky and 26,661 bottles of wine were confiscated.

A large quantity of non-alcoholic drinks was also found and is currently being checked to ascertain whether or not tax had been paid.