Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail‑Nichitin presented to the Parliament’s plenary session the report on the measures undertaken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to prevent and combat drug use and trafficking, as well as the priorities for strengthening these efforts, TRIBUNA reports.

The Minister emphasized that drug consumption is a cross‑border phenomenon and is increasing globally, with the Republic of Moldova not being isolated from these trends. The authorities cooperate closely with Europol, Eurojust, the EU Drugs Agency, and several European states to dismantle supply chains through which illegal substances reach the country.

According to the data presented, between 2023 and January 2026, 3,575 criminal offenses and 16,642 contraventions related to drugs were recorded nationwide. Trends from 2025 and early 2026 show an increase in criminal cases, driven both by intensified police activity and by growing pressure from synthetic drugs on the domestic market.

In 2025, 775 individuals were documented for involvement in drug‑related offenses, including 36 minors, and 737 individuals were sent to court. In January 2026, 34 individuals were documented, including one minor, with the cases forwarded to court. Profiling shows that most offenses are committed by people aged 18–24 and over 30, with men representing the majority.

In 2025, 50 cases of illicit drug transport were documented, an increase of approximately 28% compared to the previous year. Investigations show that criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Traffickers more frequently use encrypted applications and online platforms for coordination and sales, “pre‑set hiding spots” for distribution, and cryptocurrencies for payments.

Minister Misail‑Nichitin noted that drugs enter Moldova from both the West and the East, transported by buses or coaches, hidden in luggage, or sent through postal parcels. The most vulnerable border crossing points, due to high traffic volumes, are Palanca, Tudora, Sculeni, Leușeni, and Costești.

The Minister stressed that the drug problem cannot be addressed solely through punitive measures. An integrated policy is needed, combining supply reduction (law enforcement), demand reduction (prevention and education), treatment and rehabilitation, and interinstitutional and international cooperation.

In 2025, more than 3,000 information and awareness activities were organized, involving over 86,000 citizens. In the education sector, around 1,000 activities were conducted in 771 educational institutions, with the participation of over 51,000 pupils and students. Approximately 2,500 preventive raids were also carried out.

To counter drug use and trafficking, the authorities have planned several priority actions under the National Anti‑Drug Commission, including:

• drafting the National Strategy on Drugs and Addictions 2026–2032
• operationalizing the national early warning system for new psychoactive substances
• strengthening the capacity to block channels used for drug distribution
• using wastewater analysis to estimate community‑level substance consumption

Another priority for the MIA is finalizing the draft law on preventing and combating the illegal circulation of drugs, with a focus on protecting minors and sanctioning aggravated forms of offenses. The Ministry also aims to develop a mechanism for reporting cases of drug use and illicit circulation within educational institutions.