The Republic of Moldova is intensifying measures to prevent and combat drug trafficking and consumption. 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 steps to strengthen the fight against prohibited substances. During the Commission’s meeting, the situation was assessed and recommendations were put forward for the protection of communities and children.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the Police, emphasized the urgent need to adopt a draft law aimed at preventing and combating the illegal circulation of drugs, new psychoactive substances, and their precursors. The new legislation will introduce tougher control and monitoring measures, including prison sentences of 7 to 10 years for drug trafficking, removing the option of fines for such offenses. Aggravating circumstances are foreseen, such as committing crimes with violence, near schools, or by organized groups, for which the penalty may reach 15 years. In extreme cases, such as involvement of criminal organizations or trafficking of large quantities, sentences may reach up to 20 years of imprisonment.

“The challenges are very serious. We have two major priorities: border security and interventions. We hope to amend the legislation to discourage this phenomenon and to put into practice the recommendations presented,” said Lilian Carp, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Public Order, during the Commission’s meeting.

The law will also restrict the possibility of avoiding criminal liability for drug-related offenses, allowing it only in cases where the acts do not involve sale or distribution. Stricter sanctions will be imposed for cultivation and distribution of prohibited substances, including new synthetic drugs and ethnobotanicals.

Beyond legislative changes, the need to implement a modern information system is highlighted, ensuring interoperability of data related to drug transport and distribution. At the same time, the unification of judicial practices is necessary for fair and consistent application of the law in all criminal cases.

The Ministry will strengthen police operational capacities by equipping them with state-of-the-art technology and IT specialists. Controls will become more frequent and rigorous. Additional measures will be implemented to block online sales channels, and international cooperation will be expanded to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.