Watch: Malta Must Ramp Up ‘War On Drugs’, PN MP Insists After Pelin Kaya Murder
Malta must revitalise its “war on drugs” to counter a spike in drug trafficking, Nationalist Jerome Caruana Cilia insisted in Parliament.
Caruana Cilia warned that drugs are leaving victims in their wake, referencing the recent murder of Palin Kaya, who was run over by Jeremie Camilleri in Gżira while he was high on cocaine.
“Drug trafficking makes some people wealthy and impoverishes others. It destroys people and families and even causes deaths, including of people who are mere victims of circumstance. The greatest pain is when there is an overdose or a murder.”
Caruana Cilia questioned whether the government has salient drug-related data in its hands, including how much money ends up in the pockets of traffickers every year and how many households are impacted.
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 largely shifted towards decriminalisation and legalisation in recent years, including in the USA, where the term ‘War on Drugs’ originated.
Although such discussions have barely started in Malta, PL MEP Cyrus Engerer recently urged the EU to tap into the potential of psychedelics like magic mushrooms and MDMA to help treat mental health illnesses.
However, Caruana Cilia said that while the “war on drugs” has failed, Malta shouldn’t give up the fight.
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“It’s a shame that Malta is failing the war on drugs,” he said. “A lot of sacrifices take place and I thank the police and customs officials for their courage, and believe their work must be sustained and given more resources.”
“However, the time has come for the fight against drug trafficking to be a priority for the government and Parliament, so that we can truly have a war on drugs in Malta.”
“MPs must have the courage and determination to go beyond political colours and unite when speaking about these issues that hurt so many families and leave many victims in their wake.”
Should Malta ramp up the war on drugs?
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