VIDEO // Authorities want registry of parcels, additional raids to combat drug trafficking in Moldova; MP says 99 per cent of drugs come from abroad

The increase in the use and trafficking of drugs in Moldova requires legislative interventions and the strengthening of responsible institutions. The head of the  parliamentary commission for national security, defense, and public order, Lilian Carp, today made statements to this effect, after closed-door hearings organized at the parliament.

According to data presented by Carp, the number of people recorded for drug use has shown a slight increase in recent years.

"In 2022, there were 11,870 people registered, in 2023 – 12,114, and by the end of the current year, about 12,863 are estimated," Carp said.

The lawmaker highlighted that not all users were registered, so the real figures might be higher.

"The situation is even more worrying among minors: between the ages of 14 and 15, there are eight recorded cases, and between 16 and 18 – 48 cases. This phenomenon indicates an upward trend that should not be ignored. It's important to understand that not all users are accounted for, so the reality might be more complex," Carp said.

He specified that information presented by relevant institutions showed that most drugs detected in Moldova are synthetic, cheap and originate from outside the country.

"Ninety five per cent of drugs are synthetic, and 99 per cent of them enter  Moldova from other states, including Ukraine and through the European Union borders. They are not produced here. They often arrive disguised in parcels, canned jars, or liquid balloons," the deputy noted.

Following the discussions in the commission, more measures were proposed to combat drug trafficking and use: creating an electronic registry of parcels, to clarify who sends and receives; limiting the case examination period in court, in order to prevent encouraging offenders; equipping border police with scanners and modern control technologies, especially on the Ukrainian segment; tightening legislation for those who illegally bring drugs into the country; prevention and information campaigns for parents and society, including through mass media and influencers; intensifying raids near schools and public institutions and reporting suspicious cases to the police.

"We must acknowledge that, in recent years, there have been no consistent prevention campaigns. Inter-institutional collaboration is needed and legislative measures that allow authorities to intervene quickly when such phenomena occur. Online platforms, especially those like Telegram, facilitate drugs’ trade and we must discourage this," Carp emphasized.

The lawmaker added that the legislative amendments aimed to provide the authorities with more tools to combat drugs’ trafficking and prevent use, while also protecting minors and society.