Parents 'failing' to realise children are on hard drugs

A leading exponent in the fight against drug abuse has warned that victims are becoming "younger and younger" with parents failing to realise their children were resorting to hard illegal substances.

"The problem of drugs in Malta is a serious one and is affecting all localities on the island. It is alarming to note that drug users are becoming younger and younger every year, with reports of 11- and 12-year-olds already trying harder drugs. These children are often turning to drugs after experiencing serious problems within the family and have serious behavioural problems.

"I appeal to all parents to be more aware of what is going on in their families. Sometimes, it is Caritas itself, or the child's school, that are contacting parents to tell them that their child is using drugs," Mgr Victor Grech, the director of Caritas, said when addressing a press conference on the International Day Against Drug Abuse.

He praised local councils and law enforcement officers for their constant work in the fight against drugs. However, he expressed concern over the mentality of omertà (the code of silence) that was creeping in; the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" attitude. "Unless there is full cooperation with the police in all localities, the problem will continue growing," he warned.

"This year, four deaths from drug overdoses have already been reported. We are getting calls from people saying that syringes are being found in all areas - even playgrounds. This is nothing but a time-bomb. Combined with growing promiscuity, the problem of HIV and AIDS will continue growing. Let us work together on stronger prevention. This is always better than cure," he said.

Mgr Grech added: "Caritas Malta signed a protocol with Appogg which will see the actualisation of a project whereby children of residents at the San Blas Rehabilitation Facility will be able to spend the weekend together with their parents in specially designed surroundings. This facility will entail more financial and human resources".

He thanked the mayor of Marsascala, Charlot Mifsud, for the initiative he took to organise activities aimed at raising awareness on the problem of drug abuse in Malta. He also thanked Zabbar mayor Domenic Agius and Senglea mayor Joseph Casha for their support.

Mr Mifsud said the drug problem is affecting all areas. "Marsascala is suffering even more due to the fact that youths gather there from surrounding areas to frequent places of entertainment in the locality. We are finding syringes metres away from our primary school!"

He called on the police to give more support through 24-hour presence in the area.

Mr Agius agreed that the drug problem was being experienced in all parts of the island and Mr Casha too appealed to the police to maintain a watchful eye on various areas in his locality, especially those where abandoned buildings stood.

Claudine Mifsud, from Caritas Malta's promotion unit, said that the theme of a week of activities held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse was Sports Against Drugs. The activities include the Caritas Malta New Hope Challenge Cup, a five-a-side football tournament for 16-25 year-olds.

She also referred to the Focus Project implemented by Caritas Malta in primary and secondary schools. Through this prevention and education programme, Caritas Malta strives to educate students on the dangers posed by drugs.