Ministers Sutaj Estok and Sasko Reject Any Discussion on Drug Decriminalisation

Bratislava, May 12 (TASR) - Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok and Health Minister Kamil Sasko (both Voice-SD) stated at a joint press conference of Monday that they firmly reject any discussion on the decriminalisation and legalisation of drugs, including soft drugs. "We want to do everything we can to prevent what you witnessed at the end of last year, when substances that closely resembled soft drugs were available like sweets to our children in various vending machines in shopping centres," the interior minister stated. Acting police president Jana Maskarova confirmed that the police are ready to take action against drug dealers, highlighting several operations that have led to arrests and the seizure of drugs and criminal proceeds, while noting ongoing cooperation with international partners. Minister Sasko announced that the state is preparing new legislation aimed at simplifying and speeding up the response to new drugs on the market. "I consider this to be an extremely important task and a key tool in the hands of the state because in addition to operational measures, for which I want to thank the police leadership and everyone dealing with this serious issue on a daily basis, we also need quality legislation that doesn't merely lag behind the situation, but gives you a framework to act," he stated. Sasko emphasised that people struggling with drug addiction deserve help and shouldn't be condemned by society. In 2023, nearly 3,000 new patients with drug addiction were registered, and the health-care system recorded 38 drug-related deaths. "That's why it's inappropriate for anyone to downplay this issue or launch a discussion about any form of liberalisation, even regarding the potential use of soft drugs," he stated. lin/df