493kg of cocaine were seized by local authorities throughout the calendar year of 2023. This was revealed during the presentation of the National Drug Report for 2023, by the Manager of the National Coordinating Unit for Drugs and Alcohol, who shared statistics on the drug situation and responses across the Maltese islands.

Cannabis grass was the second-most seized substance in 2023 with 154kg, followed by 10kg of khat.

The police and the customs department have made some major drug busts over the years, showing the need to remain vigilant and increase checks to ensure drugs are kept out of the country, and are intercepted if they are heading to other nations through Malta. Just this past week, 98kg of cocaine was found among frozen shrimps in container at Freeport.

Here one cannot stress the importance of keeping the drugs seized secure, and instances such as the theft of the drugs from the AFM base are extremely concerning. Following that incident, one hopes that security was improved in all locations where drugs are held by the authorities until the drugs are destroyed.

Drugs ruin lives. Not only the lives of those who become victims of drug abuse, but it could also ruin the lives of their family members.

People who traffic drugs must be brought to justice.

There were18 drug-related deaths during 2023: five were caused due to the consumption of heroin and 13 were the result of cocaine use, it was said. Eight additional death certificates from 2023 are still pending toxicology results. Each life lost is a tragedy.

A worrying statistic given, was that the number of drug-related admissions into hospital emergency departments rose from the year 2022. 2022 was marked as a year that featured more than double the number of emergency admissions as the year prior, 2021, shooting up from 568 emergency admissions to 1135. 2023 recorded 1,266 emergency admissions related to drug use.

This is indicative of an upward trend in drug use and should not be taken lightly.

There are drug treatment programmes available in the country. In fact, the report found that there were 2,311 persons receiving drug-related treatment overall in 2023, which is higher than the number the previous year.

Seeking support to beat drug addiction is an important step to take for those who have become victims of drug abuse. Organisations like Caritas play a vital role in helping people get back on their feet. It is the first step to reclaiming their lives.

There are other organisations which also offer support. For instance, recently it was announced that Gozo's Dar il-Kantuniera is seeking to open up its services to individuals with the dual diagnosis of mental health and substance abuse and has signed an agreement with the OASI Foundation to collaborate on staff training and client support.

These organisations play a vital role in the fight against drugs, and must continue to be supported at all levels.