Agenzija Sedqa welcomes the amendments proposed recently to the Criminal Code, “especially those in relation to drug laws, which the Agency considers of a positive nature.”

“These proposed amendments will be helping to distinguish further between persons caught in possession of drugs for personal use, and persons who are caught trafficking drugs or having the intent to do so. Agenzija Sedqa has always believed that cases of simple possession and those of trafficking should be dealt with seperately. The proposed amendments will facilitate that first time offenders caught with drugs for their personal use will be referred for help rather than having criminal proceedings instituted against them,” Agenzija Sedqa said.

Agenzija Sedqa went on to say that it “continues to emphasise the physical, psychological and social harm done by abusing drugs, irrespective of the drug abused, the frequency of use, and the amount involved. “

The Agency said that it “also welcomes the setting up of a Drugs Court. This will facilitate hearings of cases related to drug abuse. Such court will be presided by a member of the judiciary who is specialised in such cases and who will be assisted by a multi-disciplinary team so as to be in a better position to set up a care plan for persons having problems related to drug abuse. For this care plan to be successful, it is important that the offenders are motivated to overcome their problem. Thus the reparative justice system will help to change the focus from simply punishing individuals to help them overcome their problem.”

Agenzija Sedqa concluded by saying that it “advocates that in order to get the maximum benefit of these amendments, all entities working in the field should collaborate in a coordinated and holistic manner, for the benefit of persons with substance abuse problem, and ultimately for the benefit of society as a whole.”

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