Drug Crisis in Malta: 18 Drug-Related Deaths in Malta in 2023

Mar 13 2025

The National Drug Report on the Situation and Response to Drugs in Malta for 2023 has revealed a sharp increase in the number of people seeking help for drug addiction. The report highlights ongoing trends from previous years, suggesting that more individuals are actively seeking treatment rather than remaining trapped in addiction.

Malta faced a grim reality in 2023, with 18 confirmed drug-related deaths, the majority linked to cocaine abuse. According to the report, 13 fatalities were attributed to cocaine overdoses, while five were caused by heroin. Most victims were over 40 years old, underscoring a persistent crisis among older drug users.

Law enforcement also reported a staggering 493kg of cocaine seizures, with purity levels rising to 57%. This spike in purity raises serious concerns about increasingly potent and dangerous drugs flooding the market. Meanwhile, over 1,266 people required emergency medical attention due to drug-related complications—a figure comparable to the previous year.

The demand for rehabilitation services continues to grow, with 41% of all treatment seekers battling cocaine addiction. Alarmingly, 68% of these individuals relapsed and sought help multiple times. Minister Michael Falzon stressed the need for a holistic approach, focusing on prevention, intervention, and long-term support for both users and their families.

At a press conference, the National Report on the Drug Situation and Response in Malta for 2023 was officially unveiled. Compiled annually, the report provides a detailed overview of drug consumption trends in the country. While the rise in treatment seekers indicates greater awareness and willingness to recover, the increasing presence of high-purity drugs remains a pressing concern.

Authorities and health professionals continue to emphasise that addiction is not confined to any one locality or social class, urging a collective national effort to combat this escalating crisis.

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Gozo Set to Get a New Green Space: Ulysses Grove Project Tender Launched

Mar 13 2025

Minister Clint Camilleri has announced the launch of the tender for the Ulysses Grove project, an exciting initiative aimed at further enhancing the quality of life in Gozo. The project will create a family-friendly park, offering a safer, more accessible space for outdoor activities and community events.

Situated in the heart of the island, Ulysses Grove will be transformed into a vibrant green area for families to enjoy, with a focus on sustainability and well-being. Once completed, the park will stand as a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to Gozo, improving infrastructure and prioritising both environmental conservation and recreational opportunities.

This initiative is being funded through the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, in collaboration with the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), showcasing a continued investment in the island’s future.

Ulysses Grove is set to become an important community hub, providing an ideal space for families to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities under the sun.

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Cocaine Addiction Surges in Malta: 41% of Cases Seek Help

Mar 13 2025

The National Drug Report on the Situation and Response to Drugs in Malta for 2023 has highlighted a significant increase in the number of people seeking help for drug addiction. The report states that this trend has been observed in previous years, reflecting a shift towards active intervention rather than passivity in the face of addiction.

Cocaine addiction is gripping Malta harder than ever, with 41% of those seeking drug treatment in 2023 struggling with the substance. Alarmingly, 68% of these individuals relapsed, requiring treatment more than once.

The report revealed that over 2,300 people sought treatment, with heroin remaining the most common addiction. However, cocaine dependency is rising sharply, coinciding with an increase in drug purity levels, which reached 57%. Minister Michael Falzon warned that drug abuse is not confined to any one area or social class, calling for a united effort to combat addiction. Meanwhile, law enforcement recorded historic drug seizures, confiscating 493kg of cocaine and 154kg of cannabis over the course of the year.

Despite growing awareness, the battle against addiction is far from over. Experts stress that greater access to treatment and long-term support is crucial in tackling this escalating crisis.

The National Report on the Drug Situation and Response in Malta is compiled annually, and provides a clear picture of drug consumption trends in the country. It highlights the steady rise in individuals seeking treatment, particularly for cocaine addiction.

While this increase in treatment seekers may be a positive sign, indicating a greater willingness to fight addiction, the growing presence of high-purity drugs poses a serious and ongoing challenge.

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Malta ‘One Of The Safest Countries’: 30 Crimes Per 1K People

Mar 13 2025

The Malta Police Force welcomed the new ‘Annual Crime Review’ findings issued by the Crimemalta Observatory for the year 2024, as Malta was deemed one of the safest countries.

The crime rate in the Maltese Islands continued to decline in 2024, with reported crimes falling by 1% compared to the previous year.

Despite a growing population of 563,443, total reported crimes stood at 16,662—significantly lower than projected figures based on past trends.

The crime rate has dropped from 45 per 1,000 people in 2004 to 30 in 2024, positioning Malta among the safer EU countries, particularly for theft and sexual violence.

Homicide rates remained low at 0.7 per 100,000 people, down from 1.7 in previous years but slightly up from 0.4 in 2023. Importantly, all homicides reported since 2018 have been solved, maintaining a 100% clearance rate. Violent crimes also saw a decline, with 344 cases recorded in 2024.

However, theft increased in some categories, notably entertainment-related thefts and pickpocketing, which rose from 405 cases in 2023 to 650 in 2024, emphasising the need for public awareness.

Reports of domestic violence continued their annual rise since 2007, reaching 2,225 cases, with psychological harm accounting for 78% of incidents.

While Malta remains a relatively safe country, these trends highlight the importance of continued efforts to combat crime and support victims.

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