Chișinău to develop complex anti-drug plan for educational institutions in two weeks
The General Directorate of Education, Youth and Sport (DGETS) of Chișinău municipality is set to develop a complex anti-drug plan within the next two weeks, specifically targeting educational institutions.
This measure responds to the rising phenomenon of drug use and trafficking, notably among minors.
“Last week, we held several internal meetings regarding this anti-drug plan for schools. We also organized an extended session with colleagues from the Chișinău Municipal City Hall's general directorates and the Chișinău Municipal Police Directorate,” stated Andrei Pavaloi, Deputy Head of DGETS.
He confirmed the primary outcome of the December 1 City Hall meeting: “We agreed on several crucial steps to plan and elaborate a complex plan for the entire municipality.”
A pivotal meeting with the directors of educational institutions is scheduled for December 2. This session, which will include representatives from other general directorates and specialized centers, aims to outline the overall strategy and facilitate the creation of detailed internal plans for each school.
The DGETS plan will encompass training for principals, deputy principals, school psychologists, and students, covering the short, medium, and long term. Its goal is to maximize the reduction of the impact of narcotic substances on the school environment.
“I believe that, by December 15, we will present at least a draft of this plan. We agreed to execute a well-thought-out plan, without rushing, ensuring the actions bring real results in this segment,” Pavaloi concluded.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education and Research has announced a national prevention campaign. This is a direct reaction to reports of alleged cases of drug sale or placement on the premises or in the vicinity of educational institutions.
According to Education Minister Dan Perciun, the information and awareness campaign, which focuses on the risks associated with the use and trafficking of narcotic substances, will be rolled out nationwide starting in December and continuing through the second semester of the school year.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by police statistics: over 900 drug-related criminal cases were registered in the first 10 months of this year.
Adding to the concern, 95% of the confiscated substances are synthetic drugs, and 99% of these are not produced locally in the Republic of Moldova, reported Ruslan Cucu, Head of the Anti-Drug Directorate of the National Investigation Inspectorate (INI), on Radio Moldova.
Looking ahead, Moldovan authorities are preparing to introduce tougher penalties into the legislation. This move is designed to enhance the fight against the trafficking, circulation, and smuggling of psychotropic substances.
A draft developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) specifically targets the entire criminal chain—from production and transport to distribution and consumption—while also focusing on the protection of witnesses and collaborators.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
