Drug use and drug distribution evolve into new forms. The messaging applications enable drug traffickers to hide their criminal activities and facilitate the search for potential buyers. The drugs become more accessible to young people who are the most vulnerable category. According to the police, 15 minors were investigated last year for drug distribution. Ten of these fulfilled the role of courier.
The wholesale price of heroin decreased by about 20% following the appearance of new generation drugs that produce the same effects, but cost two-three times less. The cheapening of drugs led to the pronounced development of online trafficking in banned substances. Online drug sale ensures the traffickers’ maximum safety. There is no physical contact between the seller and the buyer and practically the whole illegal scheme is camouflaged, starting with the IP address, name of involved persons, etc.
Vladimir’s story
Vladimir (pseudonym) from Chisinau is 28 and he is well now. He has a job, plays a sport and has plans for the future. Five years ago, his way of life risked turning dramatic. He was begging on the street to get money for a new dose. He was unable to sleep, to eat or to think lucidly. His health problems worsened further. “It wasn’t a conscious decision. I was rather tempted to try something new, but later became addicted. I cannot say I was well when I tried drugs the first time. I was frustrated and uneasy and felt depressed,” said Vladimir.
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in Moldova. Vladimir tried marijuana first. He was 23. He needed money and tried to make it using others’ addiction. He bought and sold and also used. “Once, I went to Ialoveni with a mate and took almost 1 kg of marijuana. We diluted that 1 kg and obtained 2 kg. We sold and used marijuana ourselves,” related Vladimir.
Fight against online shops
In 2015-2016, the drugs were sold mostly through websites. When Telegram and web banking appeared, the drug selling process became simpler. The dealers moved to Messenger, Viber and “settled” on Telegram. The drugs smuggled into the country are transmitted to low-ranking dealers who monitor the special Telegram channels. The access links are placed on building walls, as hidden announcements on 999. Those interested are told how and where to place orders.
“Together with colleagues from the Information and Security Service and in cooperation with the previous Cybercrime Fighting Division, we agreed the mechanism for blocking websites,” said Ion Țurcanu, head of the National Investigation Inspectorate’s Antidrug Division. In 2020-2021, 52 criminal cases were started in the Republic of Moldova over trafficking in drugs through Telegram.
In Bălți, the police, together with civil society, painted the walls with links to and addresses of channels with illegal content. A similar practice will be implemented in Chisinau. “The Chisinau City Hall has sufficient budget funds earmarked for preventing drug use and drug trafficking. This money should be used to carry out prevention and information activities,” stated Ion Țurcanu.
Game that turns dangerous
The psychologist of the public organization “Positive Initiative” Anastasia Ceban in her practice met many minors who became addicted to drugs. “Children aged between 13 and 14 are mainly predisposed to use drugs. The reasons are varied and start from genetic predispositions and traits of a rebel character and end with the family, social and educative environment,” she stated, noting the process starts from sheer curiosity and then turns into addiction.
In Telegram, the young people join a group, transfer money through terminals, obtain the coordinates and in several minutes get the merchandise. Many young people said they went there out of curiosity. They perceive the process as a quest, a game that can get the adrenaline flowing, but this turns dangerous.
“The main services available for drug users in the national medical services system include detoxification, medical assistance and psychological rehabilitation in wards and on an ambulatory basis. Detoxification treatment is free in the case of medically insured persons (employees, students and pensioners who have a mandatory health insurance policy), who go to public health facilities, on condition the name of the person and other personal data can be revealed,” said Petru Oprea, head of the Dispensary Section of the National Necrology Dispensary.
Eleven teens who have problems with drugs are now under the supervision of narcologists.
Milena Macarciuc, IPN
