The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has called for urgent and coordinated national action "to confront Malta's escalating drug abuse crisis," citing its growing impact on society, the economy, and the tourism and hospitality sectors.

This is the second time in just over a year that MHRA has brought this issue to the forefront, it said in a statement, urging authorities and stakeholders to remain engaged, united, and well-informed.

The Association emphasised that the effects of drug abuse go far beyond health and safety-undermining social values, distorting fair business competition, and threatening Malta's global reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.

MHRA President Tony Zahra said: "We're not here to point fingers-we're here to speak honestly. Drug abuse is not a lifestyle or a right. It is a crime that tears apart families, damages communities, and jeopardises businesses. We must stay true to our values and build a culture rooted in prevention, not just rehabilitation."

Zahra reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance approach to drug-related crime, stressing not only the deep harm it causes to individuals and society, but also the unfair advantages gained by those profiting from illegal activity-at the expense of law-abiding businesses.

"The recent MCESD meeting brought together key stakeholders from government, law enforcement, healthcare, civil society, and the private sector. A shared sense of urgency emerged: the situation is becoming increasingly serious, and greater coordination, enforcement, and public education are essential."

MHRA thanked all participants for their engagement and reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with national authorities and the broader community to safeguard Malta's social fabric, uphold the country's values, and support the goals of Vision 2050-paving the way for a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future, the association said.

"We must take a united stand-rejecting drug-related crime and resisting any attempts to normalise drug use in our society," Zahra concluded