The choice of Frank Testa to lead the investigation on alleged political interference by government politicians in a drug trafficking case in Gozo showed that the Prime Minister was defending the actions of those politicians, the Nationalist Party said today.

An inquiry into allegations that two Gozitans who admitted to trafficking drugs were allowed to change their police statements following political intervention was announced on Sunday after a story about the allegations appeared in Malta Today.

The case reportedly dates back to 2013.

In a statement today, the PN said that after taking two days to appoint the inquiry, which was enough time for the evidence to be put at risk, the Prime Minister chose to head the inquiry a person who was close to the corrupt clique including Minister Manuel Mallia, who was in charge of the police force when the case took place.

The Prime Minister, the PN said, should immediately publish the inquiry’s terms of reference, give its deadline, say if there were other people assisting Mr Testa, and say if the names of the politicians involved had been discussed in cabinet.

This was a serious and sensitive case but the Prime Minister had once again opted to play the political game, the PN said.

The PN has also been circulating a tweet by Dr Testa after the EP elections where he said: "PN loses by another mammoth margin but again thinks it's done no wrong. The message is loud and clear: negativity gets you nowhere."

In a reaction, the Labour Party said Dr Busuttil only backed those who were 'his own'.

It noted that Dr Testa is the chairman of the Employment Commission, appointed in agreement with the PN.

It also noted that over the past few months Dr Busuttil was also critical of Judge (rtd) Philip Sciberras, who had been appointed to the Bench by Eddie Fenech Adami, and Brigadier (rtd) Karm Vassallo, also appointed AFM commander by Dr Fenech Adami.