Croatia reports 2.5% rise in number of persons undergoing treatment for drug addiction

The number of persons treated for drug addiction in Croatia last year increased by 2.5% in relation to 2011, according to figures released at a press conference in Zagreb on Wednesday to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed on June 26.
 

Addressing the press, the Minister of Social Policy and Youth, Milanka Opacic, stressed the importance of raising public awareness of this problem and the role of law enforcement in preventing drug abuse.

A total of 7,855 people were undergoing treatment for drug addiction at Croatian health centres in 2012, of whom 1,120 for the first time. By comparison, the number of drug addicts undergoing treatment in 2000 was 3,900.

Figures show that last year Croatia had on average 272 registered drug addicts per 100,000 inhabitants. Men account for 82.5% of the drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation, and both men and women mostly seek medical attention after 25 years of age. Most drug addicts are older than 30 years.

The number of drug-related deaths is lower than in previous years. In 2012 there were 165 such deaths, as against 193 in 2011. The portion of drug-related crimes in general crime has been stable for years, accounting for about 10%. Last year 7,295 crimes related to drug abuse and drug trafficking were recorded, or 6.1% fewer than in 2011, and charges were brought against 5,052 offenders. A total of 6,381 drug seizures were made, up 0.6% from 2011.

Deputy police commissioner Zvonimir Vnucec said that the police would have to pay greater attention to "in-depth control" after Croatia joins the EU and customs control, as a barrier to drugs entering Croatia, is lifted.

(Hina)
 

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