The vast majority of Hungarians endorse the strengthening of drug legislation. , as per recent findings Europion survey Only 12% disagree with the alterations, whereas approximately two-thirds explicitly support the government’s new initiative, which intensifies sanctions and restricts entry into alternative programs.
A vote-gaining exercise?
Over the past few weeks, law enforcement has carried out multiple operations as part of their anti-drug campaign. Yet, according to Péter Sárosi, who established Drogriporter and specialises in drug policies, the administration's intention to make an even tighter grip on regulations—already among Europe’s most stringent—is likely more of a pledge made ahead of elections rather than a practical approach to tackling the problem.
Effective preventive programs do exist, and it makes sense to allocate resources towards treating individuals battling drug addiction as well as establishing community initiatives. However, these elements are absent in Hungary due to insufficient funding and lack of support," clarified Sárosi, adding that research indicates raising the intensity of punitive actions does not effectively deter criminal behaviour.
He stated that what's occurring in Hungary is largely an example of penal populism – a tactic aimed at winning votes rather than genuinely addressing the issue.
Individuals residing in severe poverty face the highest danger.
In Hungary’s most impoverished countryside regions, drugs stand out as a significant concern, with numerous individuals resorting to inexpensive, artificial, and extremely dangerous narcotics to cope with their difficult lives. Last week, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán travelled to South Heves—a locality severely impacted by this issue—as part of his visit.
"You're aware of the issue since these destructive substances that harm both our youth and adults are spreading rapidly, particularly in this region. My aim is to put an end to it. This is precisely why I am here—to eliminate this problem," Orbán said In Tarnazsadány. Within the village, multiple inhabitants informed us that the recent raids had removed drug dealers from the streets, leading to locals ceasing their drug use.
“I don’t believe anyone would be willing to serve a decade behind bars just to traffic and sell these substances,” stated a woman. A man, meanwhile, expressed his relief at seeing the drug dealers vanish.
“I noticed over the weekend at the pub that they have taken up drinking again. They would gather, chat for a bit, and then move on to drinks. It’s great news that they’ve quit using that crystal stuff altogether. You won’t come across any drugs in Tarnazsadány these days,” he mentioned.
A lot of individuals dread dealing with drug dealers.
Some acknowledged that drug dealers still operate within the town, yet they refrain from discussing these individuals openly out of fear. Nonetheless, numerous people know their names.
The scenario is quite alike across numerous villages in the region. In Tarnaörs, we encountered an individual struggling with addiction who wished to stay unnamed yet disclosed that each dosage of the substance they use amounts to roughly one thousand forints (£2.48). An additional resident informed us that around eleven individuals are currently involved in selling narcotics within this community which has approximately eighteen hundred residents. Despite arrests leading to imprisonment, these dealers are swiftly replaced by newcomers.
Péter Sárosi argues that addressing the issue of drug users who live in severe poverty requires an all-encompassing program.
"The prevalence of designer drugs in these impoverished small towns is essentially symptomatic. Substance abuse serves as an escape from limited opportunities, destitution, extreme poverty, and social isolation. To effectively address this issue, we must target the underlying causes. For instance, providing young individuals with pathways forward could help them envision a better future, pursue further education, and create avenues out of severe deprivation. Additionally, tackling housing poverty would be beneficial. It’s crucial to ensure that more youth have access to organised and purposeful activities during their leisure time," explained the expert.
Recently, we have reached out multiple times to Government Commissioner for Drugs, László Horváth, regarding whether the administration intends to tackle the societal issues contributing to drug abuse alongside conducting raids. However, both the official and the police declined to participate in an interview on this matter.