The fight against drug trafficking is "a clear priority" of Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), and the fight is carried out "firmly" and "with actual results," Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu said on Friday.
"Although I have not spoken publicly about this tragedy so far, I am deeply affected by the drama of the 20-year-old who lost his life following an overdose. It is an event that shocks us and reminds us how serious and present the threat of drug taking is, especially among young people. At the same time, I took note of [opposition leader] Mr Simion's intervention, sprinkled with untruths and inappropriate political accents at a time of such emotional charge. I will not answer him on the same wavelength, but I consider it necessary to reaffirm things that I have already said and demonstrated: the fight against drug trafficking is a clear priority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the fight is carried out firmly and yielding actual results," Predoiu said.
He added that, since taking office, he has said that he is aware of the risk posed by drug consumption and trafficking, especially among young people.
"The problem of drugs is a priority, not only in Romania, but throughout the world. As we know, drugs are everywhere, both in real life and online, they can affect anyone, anytime."
According to him, in the last two years, the anti-drug department have added an additional 300 positions, specialised laboratories have been developed, the number of canine teams has increased, and the operative forces have been equipped with mobile scanners for drug detection.
"We have intensified our operative actions: 279 criminal groups were dismantled, impressive quantities of high-risk drugs were taken out of the circuit - we are talking about over 2,300 kilograms of dangerous substances, millions of tablets, tonnes of precursors, banned substances and other concealed products - all of which have the potential to destroy lives. We have strengthened international cooperation, because the phenomenon has a global dimension and only through partnerships can we be efficient."
Predoiu pointed to the country's National Plan for School Safety - a mechanism that involves, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and other bodies.
"Each day, police and gendarmerie patrols act in the areas of pre-university education establishments to discourage any acts that endanger society. (...) In 2024, 33,388 (up 55.85% from 2023) specific actions were organised and carried out, including 3,331 for preventing and combatting the consumption of banned substances."
The phenomenon of drug trafficking and taking is a global challenge whose long-term solution cannot be exclusively police-based, the minister added.
"These actions confirm the right direction. But we all know that the problem does not disappear overnight. Drug trafficking and taking are global challenges, and the police exclusively cannot be long-term response. There is a need for a real partnership between the family, the school, doctors, psychologists and society."
He said he will continue to do his duty, adding that collective success depends on everyone's involvement.
"In the face of such a tragedy, I believe it is essential to show decency, empathy and responsibility. In such moments, it is not about political confrontations, but about awareness of the seriousness of a phenomenon that deeply affects society and the need for a sustained, actual effort on the part of everyone," Predoiu said. AGERPRES
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