The following are the main stories in Wednesday’s newspapers.

Times of Malta says cocaine use is booming on the island, the drug being readily available and higher disposable income making it more affordable to party-goers, according to police sources and a leading narcotics expert. In another story, the newspaper says meteorological records show that 2018 was the stormiest year ever, particularly in the summer months when it thundered on a record 10 days.

In-Nazzjon says 558 inspections were carried out on vehicles by the police on New Year’s Eve.

L-Orizzont says that Air Malta will continue taking measures to improve its operations and generate profit throughout 2019.