New Anti-Drug Law Comes into Force

The new anti-drug law took effect on Sunday, which will “step up the hunt” for drug criminals, said the government commissioner responsible for eradicating drug trafficking, on Kossuth Radio over the weekend.

László Horváth discussed the details of the regulation, explaining that upon conviction, police will immediately seize drug dealers’ assets, equipment, and any movable property or real estate — such as cars and apartments — even if they are registered under someone else’s name, provided they were used for drug trafficking and distribution.

Another important change, he said, is that starting Sunday, distributing new psychoactive substances is no longer a misdemeanor but a crime.

In response to a question from the host, Horváth confirmed that individuals convicted of drug-related crimes for a second time cannot be released on parole. This means that repeat offenders cannot receive leniency.

Since consuming drugs is also a criminal offense, consumers can only be exempt from punishment if they name the person from whom they obtained the drugs. If they are unable to do so, they must assist the police with relevant information.

“We are introducing stricter rules because if someone breaks into a house, steals, robs, or commits violence to obtain drugs, which is not uncommon, then from that point on, it is no longer a minor offense but a crime. The same applies if someone commits a crime while under the influence of drugs,” he explained.

In connection with the crackdown on drug traffickers, the politician said that the amount of drugs on the market has decreased in the past three months, and with the tightening of the law, the police have been given new, more effective tools than before.

From now on, the crackdown can be stepped up, and what is positive is that in recent months, in addition to public support, there has also been a visible show of social solidarity,”

said Horváth. He added that many civilians and civil organizations have offered their help in this work, and the next step is to broaden this social cooperation and increase the resilience of local communities.

Speaking about the planned measures, he said that the presence of the civil guard will be strengthened in the most infected areas and new civil guard organizations will also be established. “I would like to see local groups that continuously monitor what is happening locally and pay attention to children, young people, and families who are or may be in danger,” the government commissioner emphasized.

Via MTI, Featured image: Pixabay