The 26th of June marks the International day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. Alternattiva Demokratika leader Prof. Arnold Cassola said “Drugs are destroying the lives of youth and family members, and are leading to crimes which are affecting the development of a healthy society. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime( UNODC) is estimating that worldwide 16 million people are using opiates-opium, morphine, heroin, synthetic opiates and 13 million are making use of Cocaine. The use of Cocaine in Western Europe is reaching alarming levels.”

AD Spokesperson for Health and Social Policy, Mary Anne Zammit, commented that, “In Malta we are facing alarmingly high rates of alcohol and substance abuse and drug related crimes amongst young people are on the increase. The existent programmes are producing excellent results in combating this problem but there is a need for further resources in order to extend their services.”

Mary Anne Zammit emphasized the need on professionalism in the work of preventive programmes as well as serious investment in the human resource in this sector, “Prevention programmes need to be re-enforced and revised in developing activities and campaigns against drug intake. More community based projects which provide opportunities for young people should be drawn up.”

Prof. Cassola concluded that “Investment in human resources is a must. Besides the engagement of professional social workers, government agencies should seriously consider introducing professional training and further employment for community workers. As a preventive measure, the government must act on the hardship faced by the Maltese and Gozitans due to stress and unavoidable overtime work necessary to make up for poorly paid full time jobs reflects the quality of life of our nation.”