Cyrus Engerer’s father arrested over possession of half a joint

The Times this morning also reports that the police have issued a series of charges against Cyrus himself, accusing him of keeping and/or circulating pornography and computer misuse.

According to the report, Cyrus Engerer is also to be charged with vilifying Marvic Camilleri, a former employee of the Nationalist Party and a former member of the PN youth movement (MŻPN).

Chris Engerer runs a beach club at Exiles, which is reminiscent of a 70s beach club on a Greek Island. For years, it was common knowledge that Engerer – a ‘free spirit’ – had a life-long habit of smoking marijuana.

On Thursday, four days after his son’s defection to Labour, his premises were raided by three policemen in plain clothes, who said they were interested in buying the property. Engerer was not at the club so they picked him up as he left his home at 9am. He was smoking a joint and was arrested in the street.  His club and house were searched, but no drugs were discovered.

He was taken to Floriana Police HQ and accused of drug possession but kept until 5pm. He was told that his incarceration had nothing to do with his son’s politics and that a report had been lodged before his son’s decision to defect to Labour from the Nationalist party.

“I have nothing to hide, I am in favour of decriminalisation and yes I smoke marijuana.  But I only do this at home. I thought about kicking the habit when Cyrus my son went into politics, but I did not.”

“I was a serious drug addict but I managed to kick that problem years ago, and build something for myself. I do not tolerate hard drugs on my property and even the police can attest for this. Cocaine is everywhere now, and I am always vigilant that it is not used on my premises. The police know this.”

Engerer describes how his time in the lock-up at Floriana was edifying.

“The stainless toilet is green and black with dirt. The cell was infested with fleas and from the window, you could see a dump which included underpants.

“Everyone knows what I think about marijuana, but I make a distinction between hard drugs – which nearly destroyed me – and others.”

He said that when he was being interrogated by the police inspector, he faced an ash tray with cigar stubs. “We can have an academic discussion about whether cigars and marijuana are drugs.”

He said that he was very close with his son, and that he would not want this to impinge on his son’s future. 

“I see a future for Cyrus, he is dedicated and focused, and yes I think he has done the right thing.”