Drug Abuse in the Global Village

Malta

EXTENT, PATTERNS AND TRENDS IN DRUG ABUSE

                        Extent of Drug Abuse

The most common drugs abused in Malta are cannabis, heroin, and, to a lesser extent, cocaine. Misuse of alcohol, depressants and stimulants is also common (Malta 1991).

                       Abuser Characteristics

The age of abusers varies widely from 10 years old to 45 years old. More males than females abuse drugs (80 per cent males). There are no specific social strata more affected by drug abuse (Malta 1991).

                         Regional  Variations

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

                                    Trends

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

                             Mode of intake

Multiple drug abuse is reported common (Malta 1991).

    COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSE

AIDS among drug abusers. No AIDS cases among intravenous drug abusers have been reported as of June 1993 (AIDS in Europe 1993).

   NATIONAL RESPONSES TO DRUG ABUSE

                           National Strategy

An Inter-Departmental Commission and an Inter-Ministerial Committee were established in 1988 to coordinate activities relating to drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Liaison officers in Governmental departments concerned were also appointed. The government adopted a policy to tackle drug abuse problems as intensively and comprehensively as possible. A non governmental organization (CARITAS) collaborates closely with the government in efforts to prevent drug abuse (Malta 1991).

LEGAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER ACTION
TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE INTERNATIONAL
             DRUG CONTROL TREATIES**

                           Treaty adherence

Malta is Party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs as amended by the 1972 Protocol and to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

        DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

                          Primary Prevention

Prevention activities consist of the setting up of a Chemical Awareness Unit established within the Education Department in 1989, drug-education and healthy life style programmes in schools, a campaign of "Youth Against Drugs", mass media campaigns and the distribution of problem related updates for professionals. CARITAS through its Association for Drug Prevention and Action (CADPA) conducts seminars and training courses mainly for parents, teachers and the community. It also publishes various leaflets and booklets and has set up parish group and a youth movement (Youth for Drug Free Youth) (Malta 1991).

                 Treatment and Rehabilitation

Possession of illicit drugs for personal use is not an imprisonable offence, but Courts use the means at their disposal to ensure that the abusers follow treatment and rehabilitation programmes. Compulsory treatment is under consideration (Malta 1991).

            A 24 hour service in a Detoxification Centre in Malta's General Hospital was improved and a new Detoxification Centre was established in the Gozo general hospital. In 1990, a residential Drug Dependence Unit was set up to serve as a link between detoxification and rehabilitation. Non medical treatment is provided by CARITAS at its Day rehabilitation Centre and, since 1989, in a residential community (Malta 1991).
            Addicts undergoing treatment do not forfeit any social or sickness benefits to which they may be entitled and do not lose their priority in the registry of employment. As part of the rehabilitation programme, employment is offered by the government (Malta 1991).

          SUPPLY REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

      Arrests, Convictions and types of Offences

In 1991 a total of 47 persons were convicted for possession of drugs and 5 for trafficking (U.N. 1991). Of these drug related offences the great majority were committed by males between the ages of 20 and 24 years old and unemployed. The majority of convictions related to cannabis (23 possession/abuse, 3 trafficking), followed by heroin (17 possession/abuse, 1 trafficking) and depressants (7 possession/abuse, 1 trafficking) (U.N. 1991).

                                   Seizures

In 1991 a total of 17 cannabis type drugs seizures were made, of which 0.053 kg herbal, 0.650 kg resin, 5,540 seeds and 239 plants.  Other seizures in 1991 were 2 of cocaine (5,187 kg), 7 of heroin (0.698 kg), 1 of opiates (20 units) and 3 of depressants (44 units) (U.N. 1991). A telephone hot line for drug related calls has been set up and has proven to be a valuable asset to customs Drug Squads' efforts to combat drug related problems (Malta 1991).

                      Supply Source of Drugs

Seized cocaine in 1991 had been manufactured in Brazil (U.N. 1991).

                       References and Notes

** The Legal, Administrative and Other Action Taken to Implement the International Drug Control Treaties section was prepared by the Secretariat of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs based on Annual Reports Questionnaires for the years .... (not available by January 15th 1994).

AIDS in Europe 1993. AIDS Surveillance in Europe, Quarterly Report No. 38, 30 June 1993.

Malta 1991. National report of Malta to the First Pan- European Ministerial Conference on Co-operation on Illicit Drug Abuse Problems, Oslo, 9-10 May 1991.

U.N. 1991. Reply to the UNDCP Annual Report Questionnaire for the year 1991 (Part C).