Malta’s policy against the use of drugs has not been changed or updated in 13 years, Parliament has been told.

Replying to a question by Nationalist Party deputy leader David Agius, who asked the government to table the country's policy on drug use, Social Justice and Solidarity Minister Michael submitted the latest policy – which dates back to 2008.

The policy had been drawn up by the then Nationalist government, with Dolores Cristina serving as Family and Social Solidarity Minister.

The policy had been drawn up before the 2008 election, and was not updated in the following five years of Nationalist administration.

The Labour Party took over the reins of the country in 2013 and the policy has yet to be updated.

Observers noted that since the 2008 policy, so much has changed in the illicit drug trade and abuse, and the authorities would do well to look into the matter.