Moldova is intensifying its efforts to prevent and combat drug trafficking and use. Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education and Research presented, during a press briefing, the conclusions of the National Anti-Drug Commission and the next steps to strengthen efforts against illegal substances. During the Commission’s meeting, the situation was assessed and recommendations were proposed to better protect communities and children.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with the Police, emphasized the need to expedite the adoption of the draft law aimed at preventing and combating the illegal circulation of drugs, new psychoactive substances, and their precursors. The new legislation will introduce stricter control and monitoring measures, including prison sentences ranging from 7 to 10 years for drug trafficking, eliminating the option of fines for such offences. Aggravating circumstances are provided, such as committing offences involving violence, near schools, or by organized groups, for which the sentence may reach up to 15 years. In extreme cases, such as involvement of criminal organizations or trafficking of large quantities, sentences may reach up to 20 years in prison.
“The challenges are high. We have two major priorities: to secure the border and interventions. We hope to amend the legislation to discourage this phenomenon and to put into practice the recommendations”, said Lilian Carp, chair of the parliamentary committee on national security, defence and public order, during the meeting of the National Anti-Drug Commission.
The law will also limit the situations when criminal liability for drug-related offences may be avoided - this will only be allowed when the offence does not involve sale or distribution. Higher penalties will also be introduced for the cultivation and distribution of illegal substances, including new synthetic drugs and ethnobotanicals.
Besides the legislative amendments, an advanced information system needs to be implemented - one that will ensure the interoperability of drug transport and distribution data. At the same time, ensuring fair and consistent application of the law in all criminal cases requires harmonizing judicial practices.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs will strengthen operational capacities by equipping the Police with state-of-the-art technology and IT specialists, while checks will become more frequent and more rigorous. Additional measures will be implemented to block online sales channels, and international cooperation will be expanded to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
“The phenomenon of drugs is dynamic, dangerous, and transnational. Our response must be rapid, coordinated, and adapted to new realities, based on solid legislation and effective cooperation between institutions, and our intervention must include three pillars of action: reducing supply, reducing demand, and reducing risks”, stated the Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
In addition, increased attention is being given to finalizing the National Strategy on Drugs and Addictions for the period 2026 - 2032, which will coordinate interinstitutional interventions and ensure a clear framework for action.
The Ministry of Health is operationalizing the Anti-Drug Observatory and the national early warning system to ensure rapid detection of new substances and timely alerts to authorities. The Republican Narcology Dispensary will be expanded and integrated with mental health services, offering tailored treatment and support to affected individuals.
“We are continuously working to strengthen prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. We aim to reinforce the Republican Narcology Dispensary as the institution responsible for identifying and ensuring medical services, including substitution treatment for people who use drugs, as well as rehabilitation and social reintegration services”, stated Minister of Health Emil Ceban.
Integrated services will be created at district level through the merger of the Dispensary with the Clinical Psychiatry Hospital and the expansion of multidisciplinary teams. Diagnostic and treatment infrastructure will be modernized in line with European standards. At the same time, youth-friendly health centres provide counselling and psychosocial support to teenagers and young people exposed to risks.
Education is an extremely important area in combating drug use and trafficking. Schools and families play a fundamental role in raising awareness of the dangers of drugs, which is why the Ministry of Education and Research has a crucial role in implementing coherent information and education programs targeting students, teachers, and parents.
The Ministry of Education and Research will expand preventive programs in schools and universities, with tailored thematic lessons, involving teachers, parents, and the community.
“Combating the use and distribution of narcotic substances among children and young people is today one of the most pressing challenges for the state and society. The Ministry of Education and Research treats this issue as a strategic priority, as protecting the health, safety, and future of our children begins with an educational system that is vigilant, responsible, and well-coordinated”, emphasized Secretary of State Valentina Olaru.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other institutions, the Ministry of Education and Research is developing a Joint Action Plan to prevent drug use and distribution in educational institutions, promoting a safe environment and clear intervention mechanisms. Information activities and sessions will be organized not only for young people but also for parents, while teachers will receive improved training to identify and intervene in risk situations. The “Child Hotline” platform will be promoted for reporting cases of abuse or substance use.
These measures support the recommendations of the National Anti-Drug Commission regarding early reporting and identification of cases, as well as the implementation of the joint action plan.
Only through close and coordinated cooperation between institutions can we deliver an effective and unified response to the scourge of drugs, thus protecting the citizens and the future of Moldova.