PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND SECURITY 166 kilograms of cocaine, 2,088 ecstasy tablets and 19 kilograms of khat seized during the first six months of the year

During the first six months of this year, the Malta Police Force seized 166 kilograms of cocaine, 2,088 ecstasy (XTC) tablets—already surpassing the total amount confiscated throughout 2025—as well as 19 kilograms of khat, matching the total amount seized during the whole of last year.

These figures were announced by the Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Glenn Bedingfield, while addressing a workshop organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Malta Police Force and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Minister Bedingfield praised the professionalism and unwavering commitment of the Malta Police Force, particularly the Drug Squad, for their efforts in dismantling organised criminal networks and preventing illicit substances from reaching Malta’s streets.

“These results are clear evidence of the Police Force’s proactive work and of our determination to combat organised crime while protecting the health and safety of our communities,” the Minister said.

During his address, Minister Bedingfield emphasised that while the Mediterranean serves as a major hub for international trade and connectivity, its geographical position is also being exploited by criminal organisations involved in drug trafficking. He therefore underlined the need for stronger international cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint investigations and continuous coordination between countries and international institutions.

The Minister added that enforcement alone is not enough. Prevention, education, treatment and rehabilitation must remain key pillars of a comprehensive national strategy to protect communities, particularly young people, from the serious consequences of drug abuse.

Concluding his address, the Minister reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the UNODC, European institutions and neighbouring countries to collectively combat international drug trafficking, target the profits of organised crime and continue enhancing security across the Mediterranean region.