Alternative to incarceration for people who use drugs - a solution for the Republic of Moldova

"The role of the community, the role of citizens' involvement is important. It is important to explain the harm caused by drug use, but also is important to realize that a person with such a vice is not a criminal rather a sick individual who needs rehabilitation", said Alexandru Pinzari, Head of the General Police Inspectorate.

Participants in the debate learned about the views and opinions of representatives from law enforcement, health, justice, civil society and international organizations regarding the need to have a balanced policies approach in tackling illicit drug consumption and trafficking.

"I am very happy that finally society is talking about the disease rather than about just a choice, a fad, a way of life that the individual choses. Doctors have long talked about it - alcoholism, drug use, tobacco smoking - are diseases that need to be treated alongside other diseases", said Aliona Serbulenco, Deputy Minister of Health.

The debates featured success stories of people which defeated the disease, reintegrated into society, and even created successful businesses.

"Families whose members suffer from addiction go through real tragedies and we are not trying  to sweeten the story,  we are not suggesting that drug addiction is a disease like any other; this is a malady resulting in reckless actions with serious consequences that cause pain to both the person and the family members. The proposed solution is treatment and rehabilitation, and in no way the imprisonment of the person”, noted Ruslan Poverga, general manager of the Public Association Positive Initiative.

Similar debates will take place in Balti, Orhei, Comrat and Cahul. The events are organized by the National Anti-drug Commission, UNODC Moldova, the NGO "Positive Initiative", UORN, Promo-LEX Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, General Police Inspectorate.

For the purpose of marking the 26th of June, national level activities and events on information, awareness raising and education of the population regarding the illicit drug use and trafficking have been organized for several years.