There were no serious incidents except for a number of minor contraventions last night, Police Commissioner Michael Cassar told Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela when the latter visited the police this morning.

Both thanked members of the force for their professional and dedicated work.

Mr Abela said the Drug Squad searched 124 people at parties and 26 were being held after they were found in possession of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

The vice-squad carried out 16 inspections at places of entertainment in Paceville and found no underage people at these establishments.

The traffic section stopped more than 830 cars to inspected them with 89 people being caught in minor contraventions.

Several breathalyser tests were carried out and most resulted in the negative.

The minister noted that, as from today, police on extra duty would benefit from lower tax rates. Moreover, soldiers in a grade of major or lower would see their allowance doubled as from today, after more than 25 years.