Preventing drug use, combating illicit drug trafficking and supporting people affected by addiction require a coordinated response. This was the message delivered by Minister for Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin at the International High-Level Meeting on Addiction Prevention and Recovery, held in Italy.
Speaking during the session dedicated to national statements on prevention and recovery, the Minister outlined the measures taken by Moldova to prevent drug use and combat drug trafficking, highlighting the importance of developing long-term recovery services. Organised by Italy and France within the framework of the European Coalition Against Drugs (ECAD), the meeting brought together officials and representatives of international organisations to discuss joint approaches to addiction prevention and support for those affected.
“To address addiction effectively, we must intervene early, prevent drug use from spreading and ensure that those affected receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. This includes access to vocational training, employment and opportunities for social reintegration”, said Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
The minister also highlighted the role of the National Strategy on Drugs and Addictions for 2026 – 2032, approved on October 21, 2026, in coordinating efforts to prevent drug use, promote early intervention, support affected individuals, and facilitate social reintegration, while strengthening action against drug trafficking.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is working to identify and dismantle drug trafficking and distribution networks, including those operating online.
“Protecting children and young people remains a priority”, the minister emphasised. To this end, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Research are carrying out prevention activities in schools under the Joint Action Plan for 2026 – 2027. In addition, the STOP-DROG app allows citizens to report anonymously locations where drugs are being sold, helping law enforcement authorities identify and document suspected cases.
The conference agenda also featured a presentation by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Italy’s approach to prevention and rehabilitation.
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Misail-Nichitin met with Armenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan. Their discussions focused on shared security challenges, including hybrid threats, fraud, and foreign interference in democratic processes.
The Moldovan minister also held talks with Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, France’s Minister Delegate for Citizenship, to exchange views on the regional situation and current security challenges.
Moldova seeks to build on the experience of its European partners and strengthen a coordinated response to drug-related challenges by combining prevention, action against illicit trafficking and support for affected individuals with a focus on sustainable recovery and social reintegration.
