Only 32 out of 1,045 first-offence drug cases reported as relapsers

Two years ago legal reforms affecting penalties for simple drug possession started granting a new chance to users who previously faced arraignment in court.

Today, users caught on possession are fined instead of being charged in court, with some €80,000 collected and of which €46,000 of these fines have been distributed to drug charities and agencies Caritas, Sedqa and OASI.

“The reforms have given the desired results, as out of a total of 1,045 cases apprehended with drug possession, only 32 had relapsed,” Elizabeth Vassallo, consultant at the justice ministry said.

The cases, which were heard before a tribunal judge, involved 808 Maltese and 176 foreigners.

Vassallo said the cases were each referred to the drug rehabilitation board, which then provide the necessary assistance to individuals, preventing them from up their drug habit again.

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said the reforms was aimed towards treatment instead of just imprisonment, and that the legal changes had further strengthened the fight against drug trafficking.