The suggestion made by Mgr Victor Grech, Caritas director, for the setting up of a drug court is a valid point that should be taken into consideration by the authorities.

Mgr Grech has a wealth of experience in dealing with drug issues, and when he says that such a court would go a long way into giving drug users a better possibility to be understood by society, he is not far from the truth.

His position against the decriminalisation of drugs, as this would not help, is based on what he has come across in his work to help drug abusers rehabilitate themselves – and he therefore speaks from a position of strength.

The authorities would do well to listen to people with the experience that Mgr Grech has. It is a pity that, many times, statements such as those made by Mgr Grech last Thursday at what is known as the graduation ceremony for people who have successfully completed a drug rehabilitation programme, go astray and are never followed up. The government would do well to look into the possibility that Mgr Grech has suggested. Just as much as we have a Family Court that specialises in family problems, the possibility of having a drug court to specifically deal with drug matters should be considered.

People like Mgr Grech have contributed a lot to society, and their opinions should not be discarded.

It is no joke that Malta had one death from drug overdose per month during 2010. Neither is it a joke that 644 persons sought help from Caritas last year. It means that the drug problem is more widespread than we would like to think.

That children as young as 12 have found themselves taking drugs – often starting with soft drugs before moving on to the more dangerous ones – is something that should make us all think. Where is society failing these youngsters? What help can they receive for them not to fall into the trap and, if they do, get immediate help before it is too late?

Mgr Grech made it clear – most of the people using drugs are not criminals, but they are people who need care and attention. Caritas provides them with assistance, but society should be able to do much more, both in terms of prevention, and in terms of cure.

The drug court suggested by Mgr Grech should promote intensive treatment according to need, and offer specialised help to abusers. It will also mean a sharp reduction of pending cases – often, people who have undergone comprehensive treatment and are back in society have to undergo court proceedings for crimes committed in their “other” life. This is hugely harmful to the people concerned, as they would have started a new chapter without having closed the previous one completely.