Some €77,000 in administrative fines gathered following the decriminalisation of marijuana use would be given to Sedqa, Caritas, and other rehabilitation organisations so as to help them aid those afflicted with drug addiction, the Justice Minister said this evening. 

Winding up the second reading of amendments to the Traffic Regulation Bill, Owen Bonnici said the fines had been collected from the 1,005 individuals who had appeared before a special tribunal that dealt with simple possession, headed by social worker Vicky Scicluna.

Dr Bonnici also responded to criticism that these amendments had focused on alcohol use to the exclusion of drug abuse. Driving under the influence of drugs, whether soft or hard, had now been established as an offence, and penalties had been harshened, he said. 

He clarified that it was illegal to refuse a breathalyser test. Responding to public confusion on the matter, he also clarified that only serious offences, such as driving under the influence, would lead to penalty points being accumulated.