Thursday, May 9, 2019 - 10:14 Leo Olivero

I joined the police service in 1970. Since then I have devoted my entire professional life in one way or another to tackling the scourge of Gibraltar’s drug problem.

In my opinion drugs are now much more potent, cheaper, more freely available and more dangerous than they ever have been. I have helped, assisted and advised successive Governments in tackling this serious social problem and continue to do so today in a capacity that best suits my knowledge and experience to be able to develop and improve affective systems.

Well before 2002 and particularly after I left senior front line policing the local drug problem had already soared. I have penned countless articles, reports and conducted investigations for Panorama during all these years. I have interviewed, supported and helped individuals and families to deal with the serious social problem, which today, is still affecting thousands of people in Gibraltar in one way or another. I have also worked with NGO’s who I admire and have a great deal of respect for the great personal dedication and commitment they put into helping others. ‘Because there is no doubt - Gibraltar has a serious drug problem on its hands.

It’s no secret either, that I have also criticised the past and present administration for the poor handling of the local drug problem...But one point does not change ‘that the abuse of drugs is everybody’s business, because simply put - it affects the whole of society’ that’s not an opinion - it’s a fact!