A hundred and fifty-four people lost their lives between 2004 and 2014 in Cyprus due to the use of drugs, Minister of Justice and Public Order Ionas Nicolaou noted in a message on the occasion of the International Day Against Drugs.
The Minister called for joint action to address the problem noting that unfortunately the use of drugs continues to increase, destroying the lives of mostly young people.
The government, he said, follows a comprehensive and consistent policy to tackle this problem through prevention programs, treatment and the social reintegration of users. Particular emphasis, he added, is given on the arrest of drug dealers.
The Minister noted that the Cypriot Police have achieved a lot in the field of law enforcement and combating illegal drug trade, stressing that efforts will continue.
“We will continue struggling against any crime related to drugs and our aim is to enhance international cooperation”, he concluded.
