Implementation of policies against illegal narcotics

Implementation of policies against illegal narcotics

Implementation of policies against illegal narcotics

Monday May 19, 2011 – National Strategy for fighting narcotics includes all relevant institutions, thus promoting an integrated approach.

However, it has been observed from the research that in practice Kosovo does not have an integrated approach. Only the Kosovo Police is active in investigating this phenomenon while other institutions are not engaged in the fulfillment of their duties.

For example, education of youth about the risks and consequences of drugs should be done by MEST and the National Institute of Health.

However, this awareness is done by the KP. The strategy against drugs is not balanced in terms of participation and division of responsibilities between institutions. In this area is noticed the lack of specialized rehabilitation centers where it would be given methadone therapy. It is also noted the lack of engagement of civil society, which would help in drafting and implementing policies against drug use. Another shortcoming in the development of good policies was the lack of a monitoring, evaluation and data integration center. This center would influence the determination of the problem and what steps should be taken.

Consequently, it is not yet known how many narcotics users are. At the local level against drugs is not done much. The same is also at the national level, while the action is even smaller at the transnational level. The comparison of the activities envisaged in the EPAP and the results from the ground indicate the failure to meet the objectives. In addition to increasing the number of drugs, other points are limp and not fulfilled. This affects the lack of concrete results leaving space for accusation from other countries towards Kosovo.

Also, from the debates and other reports, the number of drug users is growing, making Kosovo not only a transit country, but also a drug destination. Lack of actions in reducing demand respectively restriction only in student awareness, without a center for the rehabilitation of narcotics addicts, contributes to the growth and exhaustion of police capacities. Rehabilitation is done only in extreme cases at UCCK Neuropsychiatric Clinic, but other cases do not have treatment in Kosovo. Therefore, the methadone delivery center it is more than necessary.