The Moldovan authorities propose to tighten the Criminal Code to protect children and adolescents from drug use and involvement in drug trafficking. To this end, a draft law has been developed and is currently being discussed with relevant organizations and agencies.
In the case of involvement of minors in criminal groups or for the purpose of drug trafficking, a penalty of 10 to 15 years of imprisonment is envisaged.
The bill also provides for aggravating circumstances:
– Committing acts with the use of violence or threat of violence;
– participation of two or more persons;
– committing a crime in public places where children and adolescents are present (schools, rehabilitation centers, sports or cultural institutions);
– Use of official position.
Measures are aimed at combating the use and distribution of new psychoactive substances, ethnobotanical preparations and drug substitutes, including tougher penalties for their production, cultivation and distribution.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, these changes will help to deter criminal gangs, reduce drug use and trafficking among young people and bring national legislation in line with European Union standards.
As Logos Press previously wrote, Moldova is currently developing a National Strategy on Drugs and Addictions for 2026-2032. One of the priorities will be to reduce demand and prevent the involvement of children and young people in drug use and trafficking.
