A war on drugs will always fail. No country can arrest its way out of drugs – its much more complex. This matter is not for sensationalism & populist statements. We must attack trafficking, while at the same time work on addiction knowledge & wellbeing. Science not ideology. pic.twitter.com/ddi2Fuh5JE

— Cyrus Engerer (@engerer) January 26, 2023

Engerer’s comment comes after Nationalist MP Jerome Caruana Cilia called for a revitalisation in the “war on drugs” to counter a spike in drug trafficking, following the recent murder of Kaya, a 30-year-old Turkish woman who was run over by Jeremie Camilleri in Gżira while he was high on cocaine.

He clarified that the “war” should focus on traffickers and not drug users, who he said should receive rehabilitation and not a prison sentence.

The global discussion on drugs has majorly shifted towards decriminalization and legislation in recent years, including in the USA where the term “war on drugs” originated. Psychedelic drugs are even being tested for their potential in treating mental illnesses.

Recently, the PL MEP has urged the EU to tap into the potential of psychedelics like magic mushrooms and MDMA to help metal health issues.

Horizon, the EU’s leading funding programme for innovation, has already funded research in the field of depression treatment utilising ketamine. However, Engerer believes this funding needs to expand.

In a recent Lovin Malta survey about drug habits on the island, 45% of respondents said that following the 2021 cannabis reform, Malta should consider legalising mushrooms.

Regulation of psychedelics is not in PL’s plans for the current legislature, as Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg confirmed in an interview with Lovin Malta. However, she said she was open to public suggestions.

What do you make of Engerer’s comments?