The new drug law, which has been unanimously approved by Parliament, comes into effect today.

The law is intended to enable victims to stand back on their own feet while being harsh with barons.

The government said in a statement this morning the reform was giving people who understood social realities the power to take decisions.

Social worker Vicky Scicluna was appointed Justice Commissioner to hear minor cases and emphasise care and rehabilitation.

The board to advice victims and the Court will be made up of professionals in social work.

It will be led by former European Court Judge Giovanni Bonello.

Work against traffickers would continuing with the setting up, together with the private sector, of an effective asset recovery bureau to ensure that those who became rich out of the drug problem returned what they would have stolen.