Updated 1.53pm - Added PN reaction

An inquiry is to look into allegations that two Gozitan who had admitted to trafficking drugs were allowed to change their police statements following political intervention, the government said in a statement. 

The allegations were published by Malta Today, which claimed that "two senior politicians" met with the fathers of the two young men days after their original admission in a government building in Victoria. 

"After the meeting the two young men were given the opportunity to change their police statements – which they did – with the new statement completely contradicting their original declarations," the paper reported. 

The case reportedly dates back to 2014. The two men were never charged. 

In a statement, the government said that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat would be appointing an inquiry to investigate the claims. No further details were provided. 

'Inquiry must be independent' - PN

In a statement, the Nationalist Party called on Dr Muscat to ensure the inquiry was conducted in line with the Inquiries Act, and "not by people very close to the corrupt clique in Castille, like former PL deputy leader Philip Sciberras."

"This inquiry must ensure that the entire truth is revealed, including politicians' involvement, and not to protect those close to Muscat," the PN said.