The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, in cooperation with the National Police, has initiated the process of updating legislation by introducing stricter measures of control and supervision, as well as harsher penalties for those involved in drug trafficking, so that communities remain safe, TRIBUNA reports.

According to the authorities, the proposed changes introduce tougher punishments for aggravated forms of crimes, expand the list of prohibited substances, and clarify the regime of precursors, ethnobotanicals, and new substances appearing on the market. At the same time, the legislation is harmonized with European standards, enabling public authorities to intervene more promptly and effectively, based on a solid framework designed to protect the health and safety of every citizen.

The legislation will provide much stricter sanctions for drug and arms smuggling, including serious cases or those involving criminal groups, in order to deter such acts and protect citizens’ safety.

Enhanced protection for minors

The new legislative proposals foresee harsher penalties for those who involve minors in drug use or supply them with prohibited substances. For such acts, only imprisonment will apply, with fines being eliminated.

Aggravating circumstances will also be introduced, for example when the act is committed with violence, in educational institutions, near schools, or by multiple persons together. In very serious cases, such as involvement of a criminal organization or exceptionally large quantities, the penalty may reach up to 20 years of imprisonment.

Limiting the possibility of escaping liability

The law will restrict situations in which a person can avoid criminal liability for drug-related acts. Release from liability will be possible only in exceptional cases, when the act was not committed for the purpose of sale or distribution.

At the same time, sanctions will be harsher for sowing, cultivating, or distributing prohibited substances, including ethnobotanicals and new psychoactive substances.

Clearer rules for ethnobotanicals and new substances

The law will precisely define what constitutes unauthorized cultivation, production, or sale of ethnobotanicals and new psychoactive substances.

Sanctions will be adapted depending on the gravity of the act — from possession to distribution or production — and serious forms will be punished more severely.

It will also no longer be possible to avoid criminal liability when the act was committed for the purpose of sale.

Updating norms on precursors

The law will also include substances that can be used as drug substitutes, covering new combinations appearing on the illicit market. Penalties will be tougher for those who procure or use precursors for drug manufacturing, especially if they act in groups, abuse their official position, or involve minors.

Serious forms, involving very large quantities or criminal group activity, will be sanctioned more severely.

In parallel, police staff will be trained, rules for economic operators will be clarified, and cooperation between law enforcement institutions will be strengthened. All changes are already subject to public consultations and will be presented transparently on the official web pages of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police.