5 out of 513 drug related emergencies led to death in 2021

Feb 17 2023

Malta’s Drug Report for 2021 revealed that there were 513 drug-related emergencies, five of which resulted in fatalities.

The report, which was published on Friday by Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon, indicated that cocaine and synthetic cannabis (SCRA) were the primary drugs for which individuals sought medical attention due to intoxication.

In 2021, 273 emergency cases were attributed to cocaine, while SCRA cases increased from 49 in 2020 to 100 in 2021.

The report also disclosed that there were 256 drug law offenses in 2021, with 142 cases related to possession and 114 to trafficking. Cannabis was the most frequently seized substance by law enforcement, accounting for 144 of the 256 cases.

While aspects of cannabis recreational use were decriminalized in December 2021, trafficking remains a criminal offense.

Drug seizures remained relatively unchanged in 2021, possibly due to pandemic-related restrictions. The report recorded a significant increase in cannabis resin seizures, rising from 0.36kg in 2020 to 272kg in 2021.

Additionally, 762kg of cocaine were seized in 2021, up from 525kg in 2020. Police also seized 187kg of cannabis grass in 2021, an increase from 151kg in 2020. There was a reduction in heroin seizures, from nearly 2kg in 2020 to 0.64kg in 2021.

The report showed that 1,990 people were receiving drug rehabilitation treatment, with 50% of cases linked to heroin addiction. Of those seeking rehabilitation, 80% were previously treated for their addiction.

According to Minister Falzon, the rise in the number of people receiving treatment is attributable to heightened awareness, rather than an increase in drug consumption.

Since the establishment of the drugs tribunal in 2015, the number of individuals appearing before the Commissioner of Justice has increased from 135 in 2015 to 815 in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases declined to 287 in 2020 and 351 in 2021.

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Secret Valletta garden opens up as public museum after 400 years

Feb 17 2023

The Mysterium Fidei Museum, which has been closed and hidden for over 400 years, has just been opened up as a museum for the public to enjoy!

The museum comprises St Catherine’s Monastery and the Underground Complex and offers ‘an immersive experience that will take you to a world within a world; into the underground complex lying beneath St. Catherine’s Monastery in Valletta.’

‘Monastic nuns who chose to lock themselves from the outside world, till death and beyond it. Immerse yourself into everyday life at the monastery and the fascinating secrets hidden within these walls. Travel through time from the era of the Knights of St. John, to this day.’

An audio tour of the complex is also available as visitors visit rooms used for work, prayer, restraint and the ‘sleep of death’, the official website explains.

Located only three minutes away on foot from the Grandmaster’s Palace, Mysterium Fidei Monastery secretly lies in the paved part of St. Christopher Street between Republic Street and Strait Street.

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Photo Source: Mysterium Fidei, Travel Malta

€10,000 for First-Time buyers in Malta: Scheme launched today

Feb 17 2023

The Maltese government has announced the a new initiative aimed at assisting people whom have become homeowners for the first-time.

This scheme is designed for those who have acquired their first property after January 1, 2022, and provides a grant of ten thousand euros (€10,000) over a ten-year period.

In a press conference held at Auberge de Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela and Social and Affordable Accommodation Minister Roderick Galdes announced the details of the eagerly awaited scheme that is destined to be very popular with Maltese residents who are planning to become home owners or who have recently bought their first property.

The government’s goal with this initiative is to encourage young people to take this important step and provide them with a strong boost in the first crucial years after their acquisition.

The grant will be provided in the form of annual payments of one thousand euros (€1,000) and will be deposited into the applicant’s bank account.

In order to qualify for the grant, applicants must be Maltese citizens or citizens of the European Union.

In cases where a property is purchased by a couple, the bank account must be in both names. In the case of married couples or partners in a Civil Union, it is sufficient that one party is Maltese. If a couple who acquired the property together decides to end their relationship, the remaining grant will continue to be given to the applicant who keeps the property. The purchased property must also be the first residence of one of the applicants.

To apply for this scheme, applicants must complete a prescribed form and submit it to the Housing Authority office or online through the Housing Authority website: housingauthority.gov.mt

The application must be submitted after the contract has been signed and before the stipulated deadline.

The grant will be stopped immediately in the event that the property is sold to third parties.

In conclusion, this scheme is a great opportunity for young people to get financial assistance in the process of becoming homeowners.

Applications will open on Monday!

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Top local artists and DJs to hit Nadur Carnival stage tonight!

Feb 17 2023

Megan May, Kevin Paul, Kurt Calleja, and some of the island’s top local DJs will entertain the crowd tonight from 7pm onwards.

After an absence of two years, the spontaneous Nadur carnival will once again be hosted in the heart of the town of Nadur on the 17-21st February 2023!

The carnival celebrations are being organised by the Nadur Local Council, Ministry For Gozo and Cultural Heritage Directorate, in collaboration with G7 Events and Malta Daily.

Nadur’s carnival will see some of the very best of Malta’s top local artists. The Friday night will kickstart at 7.30pm with Megan May, Kevin Paul and Kurt Calleja performing on stage in collaboration with G7’s resident DJs.

Malta Daily’s Keane Cutajar will be presenting the event to all those attending.

Two official parties hosted BY G7 Events and Elevated at the Aurora in Rabat will also be taking place for all those planning to attend the costumed celebrations!

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