Solution to drug problem is to educate against abuse - minister

A total of 1,162 people used services offered by the Detox Centre last year while 609 benefited from Drugs Community Services, Social Policy Minister Dolores Cristina said.

In a message given on the occasion of World Day Against Drug Abuse, being celebrated on Sunday, the minister said it was important to continue strengthening prevention strategies and educational and informative programmes.

At the same time, professional services for people going through the problem had to continue being offered.

More people going through the problem had to be reached and encouraged to take up existing services, which were of a very high standard. The government was also determined to continue investing in resources and allocate professionals to continue improving these services.

Mrs Cristina thanked the Church for the services it offered through Caritas at San Blas and other centres.

She said that the solution to the problem was not to legalise but to educate against abuse.