‘Fight against drugs: don’t get hooked!’ - project by OSCE Mission to Montenegro, law enforcement institutions and civil society
Interim results of an OSCE-supported project on “Raising Awareness on the Latest Psychoactive Substances”, aimed at informing police investigators about the development of the illegal drugs market and ways to identify substances that can be alternatives to controlled drugs, were presented on 18 February 2013 in Podgorica.
The project’s main objective is to raise awareness of new psychoactive drugs.
Presenting the interim results of the project, Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj, the Head of the OSCE Mission said: “Illicit trade in drugs remains one of the most profitable businesses globally. Drug trafficking is a grave transnational threat involving illegal financial activity and corruption, all of which benefits those engaged in serious organized crime.”
He added that with the rapid increase in the production of so-called “designer drugs” fuelled by online demand, the situation risks spinning out of control. The fast-developing market for uncontrolled new psychoactive substances represents an even-growing challenge for policymakers.
“One of the worst aspects of drug trafficking and drug abuse is that it mainly affects the most vulnerable, such as young people. To address the problem, all of society – law enforcement and educational institutions, the civil sector and families – must join efforts,” Kopaj said.
Jovan Bulajic, Director of the NGO Preporod, a partner in the project, added: “It is no secret that unfortunately some young people already have experience of using drugs.”
“It is only through absolute dedication, openness and personal example that one can successfully divert young people from drugs, and help those who are already addicted to get out of the vicious circle. It is important that we talk about this ordeal that many call the plague of the 21st century.”
The project is organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Interior Ministry, the Police Directorate and Preporod (Association for the Fight against Illnesses of Addiction and Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles). The project will continue throughout the year with a series of lectures for students at universities and secondary schools in Montenegro on saying “no” to drugs.