Santa Marija drug arrests reach 27

The Santa Marija party fever has landed another 14 persons in trouble for drugs after 13 were arrested on Saturday night when they were stopped at several army checkpoints.

This time it was vigilant drug squad police who rounded up the suspects, aware that illicit substances are even more sought after than usual at parties during this holiday period.

The new arrests were made during the night between Sunday and yesterday.

Five men and five women aged between 17 and 32 were found in possession of cannabis and ecstasy after a party held near Rabat, the police said.

They hail from Tarxien, Iklin, Sliema, Zurrieq, Pembroke, Naxxar, Attard and Msida and included a non-Maltese national.

Three men aged between 18 and 22 from Zebbug and Qala were arrested at a party in Paceville also in possession of ecstasy and cannabis.