A drug-free Europe

The abuse of illegal drugs is a growing problem all over Europe. Various actions are taken by the European Union and its member states. However there is a lack of common strategy and common goals in combating drugs. In addition, some countries and cities in Europe are actively advocating the legalisation of drugs and promote a policy which actually undermines other countries' efforts to limit the supply of drugs and the demand for them. Europe has become a lucrative market for drugs from Afghanistan and other countries.

The spread of drugs in Europe is a result of a shattered, resigned and often reactionary policy. Millions of Europeans (Maltese included) are directly affected by this policy, such as drug addicts, parents, relatives or victims of crimes.

Drugs claim many victims and cause rejection and suffering. There can be no other goal than a drug-free Europe; this is neither utopian nor impossible.

Too often, however, politicians seem to act according to what they think is possible, rather than what is necessary.

Comprehensive efforts to combat tobacco smoking are now under way in various countries, including the presentation of up-to-date research, lawsuits against the tobacco industry, bans on advertising, sampling and sponsorship. It is necessary to co-ordinate and intensify the fight against drugs in a similar way.

To achieve this, a general agreement and support for the appropriate measures is essential.

A drug political centre could be established where authorities and non-governmental organisations co-operate on various measures against drugs. Such a centre could be a joint venture between the EU and the Council of Europe to enable a majority of European countries to participate.

One of the most important tasks of such a centre could be to function as a clearing house for knowledge and support of research about the damaging effects of drugs on the individual and on society. The information could be distributed and presented through booklets, seminars and other information activities.

NGOs need to be truly activated. Organisations of various kinds should be called upon to sign a proclamation against drugs and commit themselves to act against drugs and drug abuse.

Heads of state and heads of government in various countries should be urged to express clear support for a restructive drug policy. Each European school could design an action plan on how to achieve a drug-free school, and schools could be encouraged to arrange thematic weeks against drugs. Each city, and in our case towns and villages, should be given financial and other help to start local action groups against drugs and crime.

Every convicted drug addict should have access to drug-free wards with special rehabilitation programmes. Customs should be reinforced and ought to be given more resources to make border controls more effective. Police ought to intensify their measures against drug-dealing aiming at its total elimination in the streets, near the detox centre, restaurants, clubs, etc. but first of all they should be given special education and resources to reach their goal.

As for offensive action against drugs in night clubs and similar establishments, stickers should be distributed and displayed in various establishments to show that drugs are not accepted and that the establishments co-operate with police and others to counteract the use of and dealing in drugs.

Each locality in Malta ought to establish specialised facilities which could co-ordinate local efforts and provide detached knowledge about drug addiction and drug addicts.

Maybe the Lm1.5 million a year to combat drug abuse is not enough to do all this but surely the government should not be stingy where the loss of young lives is concerned.