Announcing the new government decision, Laszlo Horvath said on Facebook that from now on, police could immediately close any business or premises where there is a reasonable suspicion of drug production, trafficking, or consumption, until the conclusion of criminal proceedings, but for a maximum of three months.

"This gives police a new and extremely powerful tool in the fight against drugs. Recently, numerous investigations have led to such places, and public outrage has increasingly demanded action against open, uncontrolled drug use and distribution," he said.

He added that the legislation would be published in the official gazette on Tuesday. "We have made it clear that there can be no compromise in the fight against drugs. We will continue to eradicate drugs from Hungary - to shut down drug mixers, drug dealers, and entertainment venues and shops that provide a space for drugs. No one is untouchable, everyone must take responsibility - especially those who play with the lives of young people," he said.

Govt commissioner: Zero tolerance for drug abuse 'society's self-defence'

The Hungarian government's anti-drug policy is based on the principle of zero tolerance, "society's most-justified self-defence", the government commissioner for combatting drug abuse and trafficking told an international conference on the subject held in Budapest on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Budapest Summit on the Global Drug Epidemic, organised by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Horvath said under the zero tolerance principle "no concessions whatever should be made to drug abuse or organised crime. Zero tolerance protects everybody," he added.

"We do not want to and cannot even live together with the drugs industry, nor with drug-related crime. We won't allow them in our homes -- those who seek prosperity from poisoning the children of other people. Organised crime is behind each portion [of illicit drugs]..." he said.
 

MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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