IAS: New drug law to ‘increase deterrent effect’

IAS headquarters

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) is arguing that the recent changes to the drug law are intended to increase the deterrent effect, not to penalize addicts. The new changes are meant to encourage addicts to choose treatments that promote drug abstention, during which their sentences will be suspended.

The bureau’s answer was in response to the Times’ questions on the expected consequences of the new measures, especially for younger drug users.

The IAS replied in a written statement that the Social Reintegration Service and the Service for Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependence, which are both under its supervision, are prepared to suspend any sentence upon presentation of proof that an individual is participating in a drug abstention program.

“The revision of the abovementioned law [Law No 17/2009] aims, on the one hand, to increase its deterrent effect in preventing drug use among young people and, on the other hand, to strengthen the motivation and determination of young drug addicts to enroll in a treatment program,” the IAS stated.

The IAS added that it is seeking the cooperation of the police, schools, associations and families to identify potential problems within the community as early as possible.

Questioned on the choice to adopt a system that steers away from the international trend of decriminalization, the IAS replied: “The increase of the penalties through the revision of the drug law is not intended to penalize addicts but rather to encourage them to opt for the [possibility of the] suspension of sentence execution through drug abstention [programs].”

The IAS reaffirmed that together with two local institutions, it can provide treatment and counseling services for drug addicts “in favor of social reintegration.” RM