Crackdown begins: Hungary enacts powerful anti-drug package
Hungary’s new anti-drug package has officially come into force, the government commissioner responsible for combating drug trafficking announced in a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday.
Hungary unleashes tough new anti-drug package to combat narcotics
László Horváth said: “There will be no pardon: drug dealers will face a seizure of their assets, expulsion or imprisonment from June on.” The government declared war against drug dealers in March because the fast spread of designer drugs “now imperils young people especially and even children,” the commissioner said.
The new law was designed “to equip the police with fast and effective new tools”, Horvath said, adding that under the new legislation “not only classic drugs or new designer products but other psychoactive substances will also be considered drugs, and their distribution will be seriously punished.”
Drug dealers could lose properties, cars, equipment and “the complete criminal infrastructure” involved in their activities, while they could be banned from cities or regions of their activities for up to five years, Horváth said. He emphasized that there will be no mercy for repeat drug dealers: anyone found guilty of a drug offense for a second time will not be eligible for parole; until now, this only applied to violent repeat offenders.
He went on to say that shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues where drug-related crimes have been committed twice within a year will be closed down. The police can take into custody for 72 hours anyone found in a public place under the influence of drugs, especially if they are intoxicated or aggressive and pose a danger to others, he added.
Only those who assist the police in their work and reveal the dealer from whom they obtained the drugs can participate in the diversion program, which can be used a maximum of two times; on the third occasion, criminal liability cannot be avoided, said László Horváth. He also said that in cases of drug use involving minors, doctors will be required to notify the parents or legal guardians.
If someone commits murder, bodily harm, robbery, looting or vandalism while under the influence of drugs, they will face more severe penalties.
Even selling small amounts of “party drugs” can result in up to two years in prison, but if someone is found with enough drugs to supply up to 10 people, their sentence can be up to three years.
“All this means that drug dealers, distributors and users can expect strict and harsh measures. There is only one correct stance on drugs, and that is zero tolerance. The hunt continues, and drug dealers must disappear,” said the government commissioner.
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