Man found in possession of cannabis, cocaine, heroin close to detox centre

Picture this: A quiet, tree-lined street in Msida, just a stone’s throw from the bustling University of Malta and the serene Msida Creek. It’s a neighbourhood where students, families, and seniors coexist, and where the local detox centre, Il-Hagar, stands as a beacon of hope for those battling addiction. Yet, in an ironic twist, this peaceful setting was recently disrupted by a discovery that has through the community.

In a dawn raid last Tuesday, police found a man in possession of a substantial amount of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. The seizure, valued at thousands of euros, was made just metres away from Il-Hagar, a facility that has been instrumental in Malta’s fight against substance abuse. The irony is not lost on the community, which has long considered the detox centre a symbol of their collective commitment to overcoming addiction.

Il-Hagar, which translates to ‘the shelter’, is more than just a detox centre. It’s a lifeline for those struggling with addiction, offering a comprehensive programme that includes detoxification, therapy, and aftercare. The centre has been a pillar of strength for the community, with success stories aplenty. But the recent seizure has raised concerns and sparked questions about the challenges faced in the ongoing battle against drugs.

Dr. Maria Azzopardi, the centre’s director, expresses her disappointment, “We work tirelessly to help individuals overcome their addictions. To have this happen so close to our centre is disheartening. It underscores the fact that our work is far from over.”

The seizure has sparked outrage among residents. “It’s like a slap in the face,” says Joe, a long-time Msida resident. “We’ve always supported Il-Hagar. To have drugs found so close to it is unacceptable.” The police, however, assure the community that they are taking the matter seriously. Superintendent Raymond Mifsud, who led the operation, states, “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe. This seizure sends a clear message that we won’t tolerate drug activity, especially not near a facility like Il-Hagar.”

The police are now appealing to the public for any information that could lead to further arrests. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around Il-Hagar, with plans for a community clean-up and a fundraising event to show their support for the centre’s work.

Malta’s drug problem is a complex one, with roots that run deep. According to the Malta Drug Information and Research Centre, cannabis is the most commonly used drug, while cocaine and heroin use, though less prevalent, are on the rise. The recent seizure highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach, combining tough law enforcement with strong rehabilitation programmes like those offered at Il-Hagar.

Dr. Azzopardi echoes this sentiment, “We need to tackle this problem from all angles. We need stricter laws, yes, but we also need more support for rehabilitation and aftercare. We need to change the narrative around addiction, to see it as a health issue, not a criminal one.”

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