Algerian Justice Minister Lotti Boudjemaa and National Gendarmerie Commander Ali Sidane chaired a national meeting to discuss the dimensions of drug and psychotropic substance consumption. The meeting, held at the National Army Club in Beny Messous, focused on the second year of implementation of the National Strategy for the Prevention of Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 2025-2029. The strategy aims to prevent and combat drug consumption, which has become a national concern.
The second year of implementing the strategy has yielded tangible results, including enhanced coordination between concerned sectors, intensified awareness campaigns, and developed monitoring and follow-up mechanisms. The strategy also supports the capabilities of law enforcement services to effectively address the issue. According to Minister Boudjemaa, the strategy has enabled the establishment of a unified national vision to combat drug consumption.
Minister Boudjemaa emphasized that the strategy goes beyond addressing the consequences of drug consumption, targeting its causes, and eradicating its networks and sources of financing. The strategy aims to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the various dimensions of the issue, combining prevention, deterrence, treatment, and reintegration. He highlighted that the national strategy has allowed for a dynamic and institutional shift.
The meeting, organized in collaboration with the National Office for Combating Drugs and Addiction and the National Gendarmerie, is crucial in addressing the growing threat of drug consumption. Minister Boudjemaa stressed that the issue extends beyond social and economic damage, posing a significant threat to national security and stability. He commended the efforts of the National Gendarmerie and other security institutions in disrupting smuggling networks.
The Minister also highlighted the challenge of road accidents, which have become a national concern, causing significant human and material losses. He emphasized that road safety has become a matter of public security and collective responsibility, requiring concerted efforts to address the issue. The 26/09 law on road traffic aims to regulate traffic and includes stricter penalties for road accident perpetrators under the influence of drugs.
Minister Boudjemaa praised the ongoing efforts of security institutions to protect the country and ensure its stability. He commended the tangible results achieved by the People's National Army, National Gendarmerie, National Security, and Customs in disrupting smuggling networks and dismantling criminal organizations.
The implementation of the national strategy to combat drug consumption requires sustained efforts and a daily commitment to eradicating this scourge. Minister Boudjemaa emphasized that continued collaboration between concerned parties is essential to achieving the desired results and protecting society from the consequences of drug consumption.
Key points
- The Algerian government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to combat drug consumption.
