Fines for simple drug possession will be in line with those issued for smoking indoors and similar offences, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici has told The Sunday Times of Malta.

“The fines will have to be higher than the ones issued for traffic violations and will be pegged to those for smoking and so on,” he said.

The maximum fine for smoking indoors is €250. Dr Bonnici said, however, the fines for drug possession were expected to be higher – depending on the drug used.

“This should be in line with practices already adopted across the EU. Cannabis and cocaine won’t be treated the same way,” he said.

Dr Bonnici was giving a round-up of the public consultation on the drug reform, which will draw to a close tomorrow. After the consultation, Dr Bonnici will take his proposals to Cabinet where a final Bill will be drafted to be tabled in Parliament next month.

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