“Say NO to Drugs”: Public awareness event organized in Chisinau
The General Directorate of Education, Youth and Sports (DGETS) of the Chisinau municipality is launching a campaign this week aimed at preventing drug use among children and young people. This initiative is part of the Municipal Anti-Drug Plan and will feature various informational activities, as well as a flashmob organized in the center of Chisinau.
The announcement was made by Andrei Pavaloi, the deputy head of DGETS, during the operational meeting of municipal services on May 11.
"This week, we have two major activities as part of the Anti-Drug Plan. On May 13, we will launch a campaign focused on preventing drug use among young people and students. On the same day, starting at 3:00 PM, a flash mob will be organized in the Great National Assembly Square titled 'Life Matters: Say NO to Drugs,'” said Andrei Pavaloi.
Students from municipal educational institutions will participate in the event and have prepared several awareness-raising and informational activities.
"We invite all those interested to join us," added the DGETS representative.
At the end of last year, the Ministry of Education and Research announced an awareness campaign to address the risks associated with the consumption and trafficking of narcotic substances, particularly in response to the rising problem among minors. Following this, the Directorate General for Education, Youth, and Sport (DGETS) revealed plans for a comprehensive anti-drug initiative targeting educational institutions.
Members of the National Anti-Drug Commission emphasized the need for a clear reporting mechanism within schools to deter individuals who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of children by distributing drugs near school premises.
Current estimates indicate that there are approximately 50,000 drug users in the Republic of Moldova. Last year, more than 900 individuals were convicted and fined for consuming and trafficking prohibited substances.
Marijuana and hashish remain the primary drugs circulating in the country; however, traffickers are increasingly shifting their focus to synthetic drugs. In 2025, approximately 60 kilograms of herbal drugs were seized. The amount of synthetic drugs, specifically PVA, increased from around 37 kilograms in 2022 to over 59 kilograms in 2025, with more than 26 kilograms of mephedrone also being confiscated.
Drugs are mainly trafficked online, particularly cannabis, hashish, and synthetic substances. They enter the Republic of Moldova through smuggling, often concealed in parcels, and are sometimes transported by couriers or sent via postal services.
