Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity Michael Farrugia said a White Paper on how to deal with the drug problem was being prepared and one of its principal concepts was avoiding drug victims ending up in court, as this only serves to label such people.

He was speaking at a discussion on the theme ‘Drugs – the True Reality: Decriminalisation, Legalisation or Depenalisation?’ held by the Oasi Foundation at the Grand Hotel, Għajnsielem, to mark its 23rd anniversary and the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Farrugia also spoke on reforms needed to improve the current system related to drug abuse, adding that every service in the field of addiction needed to be specialised so as to give those in need a better service.

Other speakers included Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Aging Justyne Caruana and Opposition spokesman for the family and social solidarity Clyde Puli.

Participating in the discussion were also experts, representatives from government agencies, NGOs, educators, people who work with youths and students, and agencies Sedqa and Caritas, which deal with drug users and issues.

People who have experienced addiction and undergone rehabilitation programmes shared their experiences.

The debate was moderated by Andrew Azzopardi.