To address the growing risks associated with drug use and trafficking, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with the Police of the Republic of Moldova, is initiating the process of updating the legislation by introducing stronger control and monitoring measures, as well as tougher penalties for those involved in drug trafficking, in order to keep our communities safe.
The proposed amendments introduce tougher penalties for aggravated forms of offences, expand the list of prohibited substances, and clarify the regulatory framework for precursors, ethnobotanicals, and newly emerging substances on the market. At the same time, the legislation is being aligned with European standards, enabling relevant public authorities to intervene more promptly and effectively, on the basis of a solid framework designed to protect the health and safety of every citizen.
The legislation will establish significantly harsher sanctions for drug and arms smuggling, including in severe cases or when committed by criminal groups, in order to deter such offences and protect public safety.
Enhanced protection for minors
The new legislative proposals introduce stricter penalties for individuals who entice minors to use drugs or supply them with prohibited substances. These offences will be punishable exclusively by imprisonment; fines will no longer apply.
Aggravating circumstances will also be introduced - for example, when the offence is committed with violence, in educational institutions, near schools, or by a group of individuals.
For particularly serious cases, such as the involvement of a criminal organization or involving large quantities, the sentence may reach up to 20 years of imprisonment.
Limiting opportunities to escape liability
The law will limit the cases when a person may avoid criminal liability for drug-related offences. Exemption from liability will only be permitted in exceptional cases, when the offence was not committed for the purpose of sale or distribution.
At the same time, sanctions will become harsher for the sowing, cultivation, or distribution of prohibited substances, including ethnobotanicals and new psychoactive substances.
Clearer rules for ethnobotanicals and new substances
The law will clearly define what constitutes unauthorized cultivation, production, or sale of ethnobotanicals and new psychoactive substances.
Penalties will be adapted to the severity of the offence, from possession to distribution or production, while serious forms will be punished more harshly.
Avoiding criminal liability will no longer be possible when the offence was committed for the purpose of sale.
Updating regulations on precursors
The law will also include substances that can be used as drug substitutes, thereby covering new combinations appearing on the illicit market. Penalties will be harsher for those who procure or use precursors for the purpose of drug manufacturing, especially when acting in a group, abusing their professional duties, or involving minors.
Serious offences involving very large quantities or the involvement of criminal organizations will be sanctioned more severely.
In parallel, police will receive additional training, rules for businesses will be clarified, and cooperation among law enforcement institutions will be strengthened. All amendments will be subject to public consultation and will be published transparently on the official websites of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police.
Detalii: Proiect de lege_0.pdf
Tabel comparativ_0.pdf