Govt defends drugs policy

The Gibraltar Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing local drug problems after this was put into question by the opposition.

Following GSD queries the government issued a statement saying the opposition was trying to confuse the public “in an attempt to denigrate work undertaken.”

The government added it will continue to address drugs misuse, awareness and rehabilitation as well as the local communities concerns.

Since first elected in 2011 the government claim to have worked “untiringly” to ensure apt rehabilitation services and have introduced these measures into the prison system.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo will be chairing an inter-ministerial committee on drugs established in 2013.

“This administration acknowledges the drugs problem in Gibraltar and is absolutely committed to working with all relevant professionals and stakeholders to improving the services and systems in place for the betterment of our community,” said Mr Picardo.

“Substance misuse and abuse must be rejected by everyone and as a Government we will ensure that we are equipped to support both addicts and their families in obtaining the help that they need, create awareness on the dangers as part of our strategy of prevention and train and resource the departments that lead in the fight against drugs.”

“I have again appointed Samantha Sacramento as the Minister with this constitutional responsibility as she initially laid the foundations for this strategy and I know how passionate she is about making a difference in this field.”