Rachel Kozlowski
Country: Hungary
Topic: International Drug Trade
International drug trade is defined as the global black market for the distribution and production of illegal drugs such as opiates, cannabis, and heroin. The legality of these drugs are disputed among countries, which contributes to the need for illegal trade, which with it brings drug-related criminal activity. New psychoactive substances (NPS) also pose a challenge to governments due to their rising popularity and competition with established drugs.
The Delegation of Hungary believes that supply reduction, drug prevention, drug recovery, and educating the public is the best option to combat International drug trade. The possession, consumption, and purchase of illegal drugs is a criminal offence in Hungary, with drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines falling into this category. Hungary is a popular country in the “Balkan” heroin trade route, but the amount of heroin seized has remained relatively small in recent years. Cannabis is by far the most popular illegal drug in Hungary, with seizures steadily rising. To combat the rising use of illegal drugs in Hungary, the government adopted a new prevention policy program part of National Anti-Drug Strategy 2013-20, which is primarily funded by the state’s annual grant system.
The delegation of Hungary proposes a solution with an emphasis on the supply and demand side reduction in international drug market. Hungary believes demand should be reduced with the criminalization of drugs and promotion of health through education. Supply should be reduced by improvement of law enforcement and a zero tolerance policy for any illegal drug activity.
- Rachel Kozlowski
