A report on drug policy reform, drawn up by the University Students' Council and published today, includes arguments by student organisations on the pros and cons of decriminalising some drug use,  but does not actually propose such decriminalisation.

The report proposes, instead, the introduction of a  drug classification system.

"Whilst acknowledging the difference between the different classification of drugs and patterns of use, Malta needs to work within European Union's frameworks for an independent study to be conducted so as to provide official legal guidelines of classification for different kind of drugs and substances of abuse. Such guidelines must then be kept regularly updated in order to reflect any new trends," the report says.

It also calls for A review of all national entities tackling drug abuse.

"An increase in investment in research, along with analysis of different policies and programmes, is also essential for a helpful, sustainable and updated drugs policy. A review of all national entities who tackle drug abuse in some way should be carried out within a period of four years thus ensuring that all recommendations emanating from this review, and which are deemed to ensure better tackling of trafficking, cultivation and transportation whilst ensuring
a more reparative approach towards drug abusers, should be put into place and functioning by 2015. At the same time an open debate on drugs in society must be enhanced,"

The report calls for harsher penalties for trafficking, cultivation and transportation, complimented with increased investment in law enforcement. However, imprisonment for possession of drugs for personal use should be
removed and such cases should instead be tackled in a manner so determined by the multidisciplinary expertise of a Drugs Tribunal. 

The KSU said that fines inflicted on drug traffickers should serve to finance drug
rehabilitation centers while seizure and disposal of any vehicles used in the process of drug trafficking should be passed to law enforcers and used in the fight against crime instead of being left in derelict areas.

The report insists that people dependent on drugs should be treated as patients not criminals. Youths with drug abuse problems should have more specific rehabilitation programmes which take into consideration the causes of the drug abuse within their environment.

The KSU said probation services need to be strengthened, while the Parole system and the Victim Offender Mediation programmes should be put into practice. Better working conditions and more human resources should also be considered for the officers involved in such valuable work, sometimes within dangerous environment.

The university students suggested the introduction of halfway houses  for youths with a problematic social background; in particular for those whose parents or close relatives also have a history of drug abuse.

They also called for the creation of a Drug Tribunal that would provide an alternative process in the criminal justice system for eligible non-violent drug offenders. The tribunal would focus on treatment  and allow successful defendants to avoid prison time and a criminal record.

Another recommendation is for specialised programmes for women, including residential services. "Drug abuse in women tends to come with other
complications such as unexpected pregnancies and a link to prostitution. With the help of dedicated staff and a required framework, women can be assisted to overcome their addiction, live healthy lives and when needed, raise healthy babies as well." 

Other recommendations laid stress on education to deter abuse  and better training for the police force.
 
In its report conclusions, the KSU said that the overall spirit of this report is that of embracing a more pragmatic approach, replacing the principle of zero tolerance with the principle of harm reduction and a caring state.

"Together we need to challenge rather than reinforce common misconceptions about drug markets, drug abuse and drug dependence while continuing to
carefully evaluate previous drug policies to determine which are the most effective rather than sticking to an ideological perspective," the council said.

The report in full can be seen by clicking the pdf below