TRNC Holds Anti-Drug Strategy Document and Action Plan Meeting
The Fight Against Drugs in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Fight Against Drugs Strategy Document and Action Plan 2024-2025” Meeting was recently held at the Acapulco Hotel. During the meeting, the Prime Ministry Anti-Drug Commission addressed the challenges faced in combating drug abuse and discussed the necessary steps to be taken.
Teyfide Tecel Hatipoğlu, President of the Prime Ministry Anti-Drug Commission, emphasized the development of a comprehensive strategy aimed at formulating an effective policy in the fight against drugs. This strategy was designed with a holistic approach that prioritizes coordination, supply reduction, demand reduction, international relations, monitoring and evaluation, and communication. The strategy, created with the collaboration of various public institutions, local governments, universities, and civil society organizations, is set to be implemented by the end of 2024.
Levent Gazi Kurtoğlu and Soner Yıldırım, officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, shared insights and experiences from Turkey’s efforts in combatting drug abuse. They expressed support for the strategy and action plan being developed in the TRNC and highlighted the importance of scientific evidence in guiding the fight against drugs.
Various presentations were made at the meeting, with Reyfet Abdu providing detailed information on the current situation, strategy, and goals of the Drug Enforcement Commission. Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Directorate of Police, Ministry of National Education, and Customs and Excise Department discussed the challenges faced in the fight against drugs.
Turgay Kırok, Director of Narcotics and Smuggling Prevention, emphasized the dual approach of combating addiction and supply in the fight against drugs. Describing supply-side crimes as “crimes against humanity,” Kırok underscored the global impact of drug trafficking and highlighted the role of narcotics detector dogs in intercepting drug traffickers.
Kırok also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department to prevent the transfer of drugs through key entry points. Training programs on drug recognition have been provided to personnel in order to enhance detection capabilities and strengthen the fight against drugs.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts and determination of stakeholders in the TRNC to combat drug abuse effectively. By implementing a comprehensive strategy and action plan, the TRNC aims to further advance its fight against drugs and contribute to global efforts in curbing drug trafficking.
