Synthetic drug crisis demands state of emergency in Moldova
The synthetic drug crisis in the Republic of Moldova has reached alarming levels, impacting a growing number of young people and even children.
În cadrul unui briefing de presă organizat pe 11 noiembrie la Parlament, reprezentanții PSRM au atras atenția asupra creșterii accelerate a consumului de droguri sintetice în Republica Moldova, în special în rândul minorilor.
Deputatul Grigore Novac a declarat că „pericolul este iminent, mai ales în instituțiile de învățământ – licee, școli, universități, unde drogurile sunt tot mai ușor accesibile”.
This severe situation, according to Deputies Grigore Novac and Vladimir Odnostalco of the Party of Socialists (PSRM), demands the institution of a Drug State of Emergency and the creation of a dedicated parliamentary platform to combat youth drug consumption and the trafficking of narcotic substances.
The PSRM representatives used a press briefing at Parliament on November 11 to spotlight the accelerating spike in synthetic drug use across Moldova, particularly among minors.
Deputy Grigore Novac warned, “The danger is imminent, especially in educational institutions – high schools, schools, universities – where drugs are increasingly easily accessible.”
He referenced a June 24, 2025, public hearing by the Parliamentary Commission for Human Rights. The hearing, which assessed the effectiveness of drug reduction programs, confirmed a disturbing surge in usage among the country’s youth.
Novac pointed out the economic factor driving the crisis: "Synthetic drugs are, in some cases, cheaper than a canteen lunch, and drug traffickers are casting their nets, including for children who do not realize the danger."
He further criticized current laws, stating that penalties for Moldova drug trafficking are "too lenient." This, combined with the lack of effective rehabilitation programs, only deepens the issue.
“Our children are being destroyed, and traffickers are not afraid of the law. It is our duty to act decisively to save lives and sever the criminal networks that involve minors,” Novac asserted, calling for immediate action.
Echoing his colleague, Deputy Vladimir Odnostalco stressed that Moldova risks "becoming the homeland of Escobar" unless drastic measures are immediately implemented.
Official data shows the number of registered drug-dependent individuals rose from 11,586 in 2020 to 12,140 in 2024. Odnostalco cautioned, however, that the actual figures are likely "much, much higher."
"In schools, synthetic drugs are more accessible than a roll or a tea. This is a dangerous trend that destroys entire families," he stated.
He also referenced Ministry of Internal Affairs statistics, which reveal that drug-influenced crimes have nearly doubled in just two years, soaring from 2,361 in 2022 to 4,318 in 2024.
“This highlights how easy it is today to procure drugs in our country. The problem can no longer be ignored—it is a matter of National Security,” the deputy concluded.
The Socialists announced two key steps: proposing a parliamentary resolution on drug use and trafficking, and launching a new parliamentary platform. This platform will bring together the Human Rights Commission, experts, doctors, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. Its core mission will be to develop a concrete action plan, ranging from tightening legislation to supporting rehabilitation centers.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
