2024-07-28 16:17:30
He points out that initially the cooperation with the minister was very successful, and the views on public health issues were identical, however, in the last two months, he has not been able to talk to the minister and express his opinion. “I don’t need the position of councilor just as a job title,” he emphasized.
As the main reason for not wanting to work with the minister, Apinis cited the different attitude towards the decriminalization of drugs. He stated that the decriminalization of drugs is currently not permissible due to public safety and health. According to him, decriminalization would most likely increase the availability and use of drugs because people would perceive them as less of a risk.
“Decriminalization will increase the spread of health problems caused by drug use, such as addiction, overdose and mental disorders. As I have already emphasized, long-term drug use as a rule causes serious health problems, and decriminalization will contribute to the spread of these problems,” emphasized Apinis.
He noted that from a public safety perspective, decriminalization will increase drug-related crime, such as drug trafficking and distribution. Decriminalization will contribute to the degradation of social norms and values, especially among young people, and reduce the sense of responsibility towards drug use.
“If supporters of decriminalization emphasize that it will reduce the costs of the court and prison systems, then in any case, increased costs of health care and rehabilitation programs will exceed these savings. Increasing drug use will reduce labor productivity and increase unemployment, which will negatively affect the economy,” explained Apinis.
He also pointed out that the decriminalization of drugs is against the normative values and moral standards of the society, it can send the wrong signal to the youth about the acceptability of drug use, potentially contributing to its spread among the younger generation. Latvia does not have sufficiently developed infrastructure and resources to effectively manage the consequences of decriminalization, such as treatment and rehabilitation programs. If drug use were to be decriminalized, illegal drug trade would continue and it would be much more difficult to control it, Apinis said.
The freelance adviser to the Minister of Health refers to Article 254 of the Criminal Law, which provides for the release of a person from criminal liability for the purchase, storage, transportation and transfer of narcotic and psychotropic substances, if he has voluntarily reported or handed it over.
“Actually, it is a good and democratic article of the criminal law, which is appropriate for Latvia’s current situation – poor health literacy, insufficient opportunity to treat and rehabilitate drug addicts. This article allows the police to fight drug dealers,” Apinis said.
As reported, the Ministry of Health has accepted a proposal developed by the Ministry of Justice, which provides that young people will no longer be criminally punished for drug use. The Ministry of Health will forward it, together with other proposals, to the Saeima commission for consideration in the fall.
Previously, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, representing “Jauno vietības”, admitted that she supports the plan to decriminalize drug use among young people. The plan is also supported by the party “Progressivie” represented in the government, as well as the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
2024-07-28 16:17:30