Algerian Justice Minister Lotti Boudjemaa and National Gendarmerie Commander attended the opening of a national forum on the dimensions of drug and psychotropic substance consumption. The event was held at the National Army Club in Beni Messous, Algiers. The forum is organized by the National Office for Combating Drugs and their Addiction, in cooperation with the National Gendarmerie Command.
High-ranking officials, including the First President of the Supreme Court, Tahir Mamouni, and the General Secretary of the Ministry of National Defense, were in attendance. The forum, taking place under the slogan "Road safety is everyone's responsibility...no to drugs...together to protect road users' lives," drew representatives from various ministerial sectors and national institutions. Experts and specialists in the field also participated.
The organization of this forum falls within the framework of implementing the field plan for the 2025-2029 National Strategy for the Prevention of Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. It responds to increasing challenges related to traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence of drugs and psychotropic substances. These accidents pose a direct threat to road users' safety, considering their impact on drivers' mental, sensory, and motor skills.
The forum aims to provide a scientific and institutional space to highlight the health, scientific, security, legal, and preventive dimensions of this phenomenon. It also seeks to assess legislative updates introduced by Law No. 26-09, which includes the traffic law. Discussions will focus on the neurological and psychological effects of these substances, detection and testing mechanisms, and operational challenges linked to combating them.
Strengthening institutional coordination and developing awareness, monitoring, and follow-up mechanisms among concerned sectors are also key objectives. The forum brings together various stakeholders to share expertise and experiences. This initiative demonstrates Algeria's commitment to addressing the complex issues surrounding drug consumption and road safety.
The event is a collaborative effort between the National Office for Combating Drugs and their Addiction and the National Gendarmerie Command. It reflects a broader strategy to enhance road safety and prevent drug-related accidents. By engaging experts and officials, the forum aims to produce actionable recommendations to tackle these pressing concerns.
The Algerian government has been actively working to address the issues of drug consumption and road safety. This forum represents a crucial step in that direction, emphasizing the importance of inter-sectoral cooperation. The discussions and outcomes of the forum are expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with drug consumption and driving.
Key points
- The forum aims to assess legislative updates introduced by Law No. 26-09, which includes the traffic law.
- Strengthening institutional coordination and developing awareness, monitoring, and follow-up mechanisms among concerned sectors are also key objectives.
- The event is a collaborative effort between the National Office for Combating Drugs and their Addiction and the National Gendarmerie Command.
