Updated 8.16pm with details on more people being booked -

The police fined 18 persons early on Sunday after they held a party in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, ignoring social distancing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone meeting in groups of more than three is liable to a fine of €100.

The police held five under arrest after finding them in possession of suspected drugs. A search of the persons and the premises yielded bag suspected to contain ecstasy, as well as cannabis and cocaine. i 

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri thanked the police for their service and insisted that measures ordered by the health authorities must be observed for as long as they remain in force.  

Later on Sunday the government announced that 67 persons were each fined €100  for being in groups of more than three in the previous 24 hours.