Filenews 3 May 2024 - by Despina Psillou
Even primary schools are affected by drugs, as during 2024 a 12-year-old child was found involved in a drug case.
The data of the Police Anti-Narcotics Service, obtained by "F", in relation to the involvement of minors and young persons in criminal drug cases cause vertigo, as a total of more than 1,200 in less than 3.5 years. Horrific proportions are also revealed in relation to drug use, since for the same period of time 427 juvenile offenders were referred to treatment centers, while more than 1,295 kg of cannabis and 1,982 MDMA tablets were seized by the authorities.
Specifically, from 2021 to March 2024, 3,253 criminal cases were recorded, 37.4% of which (i.e. 1,219) involved minors and young people.
As far as minors are concerned, a total of 153 children aged 14 to 17 were involved in 144 criminal cases. Of these, 106 were Cypriots and 47 foreigners. In addition, 101 were students (73 Cypriots and 28 foreigners). For these cases, 34 children were taken to court.
The problem of juvenile delinquency seems to have intensified during the three years. In 2021, there were 37 cases involving 42 minors (30 Cypriots, of which 21 students and 12 foreigners, of which 9 students). In 2022, there were 49 cases involving 51 minors (43 Cypriots, of which 32 students and 8 foreigners, of which 5 students). In 2023, there were 44 cases involving 45 minors (23 Cypriots, of which 15 students and 22 foreigners, of which 12 students). In the first quarter of 2024, there were 14 cases involving 15 minors (10 Cypriots, of which 5 students and 5 foreigners, of which 2 students). One of these cases involves a 12-year-old minor who is not criminally responsible.
As for young people, a total of 1,066 adults aged 18 to 24 were involved in 974 criminal cases. Of these, 688 were Cypriots and 378 foreigners. For these cases, 377 people were referred to a treatment programme.
The problem of delinquency has also intensified in this age group. In 2021, there were 253 cases involving 277 young people, of which 184 were Cypriots and 93 foreigners. 115 people were referred to a treatment programme. In 2022, there were 298 cases involving 334 young people, of which 203 were Cypriots and 131 foreigners. 108 people were referred to a treatment programme. In 2023, there were 338 cases involving 367 young people, of whom 244 were Cypriots and 123 foreigners. 126 people were referred to a treatment programme. In the first quarter of 2024, there were 85 cases involving 88 young people, of which 57 were Cypriots and 31 foreigners. 28 people were referred to a treatment programme.
427 treatment referrals
Students, soldiers, young arrestees, minors with delinquent behaviour are identified and referred for treatment by the YKAN through the Cooperation Protocol for the Referral of Young Arrestees by the Cyprus Police – YKAN to treatment centers of the Cyprus Public Health Organization and the private sector. From 2021 to the first quarter of 2024, 427 minors and young people were referred.
The protocol is addressed to adolescents and young people aged 14 to 24, who have been arrested or against whom a criminal file has been formed, as a consequence of the use and/or possession of illegal addictive substances, and aims at early intervention/treatment.
The social service of YKAN responds to requests for assistance through the 1498 hotline. In 2021 it received and responded to 114 requests, in 2022 to 115 requests and in 2023 to 122 requests.
In 2021, a total of 109 persons were referred, 88 under protocol and 21 under the Children in Conflict with the Law. The 41 referred by the protocol completed the program and 38 were stopped. Of those referred by legislation, 12 completed and 9 stopped.
In 2022, a total of 138 people were referred, 97 under protocol and 41 under legislation. The 42 referred by the protocol completed the program and 36 were stopped. Of those referred by legislation, 16 completed and 17 were stopped.
In 2023, a total of 138 people were referred, 112 under protocol and 26 under legislation. The 12 referred by the protocol completed the program and 24 were stopped. Of those referred by legislation, 3 completed and 9 stopped.
In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 42 people were referred.
Almost 1,300 kg of cannabis seized
Large quantities of narcotics were seized from 2021 to the first quarter of 2024 by the Police. Especially when it comes to cannabis, the numbers are impressive since they exceed 1,295 kg. There were also large quantities of cocaine, which exceeded 68 kg. In addition, 1,982 tablets of MDMA (ecstasy) and 2,403 tablets of doping substances were seized, but they are also available in other forms such as ampoules, vials, etc.
The Cyprus Police, as stated in a relevant note, implements policies of the National Strategy for tackling addiction to illicit substances (2021-2028), which is based on the United Nations Drug Conventions, the European Strategy and guidelines of other international organizations.
The National Strategy consists of five main areas of intervention: (a) Prevention, (b) treatment and social reintegration, (c) harm reduction, (d) regulation and control of supply and (e) international cooperation, and incorporates four cross-cutting tools: (1) documentation, (2) evaluation, (3) research and (4) monitoring. The implementation of this policy requires close cooperation with the other competent services, state and non-state, as well as the participation of civil society.
"The drug phenomenon is a major threat to the health and safety of society and is characterized as multidimensional, complex and dynamic, since it is constantly changing character, with new challenges. The drug market is considered one of the most dynamic markets for organised crime, and therefore tackling it requires a coordinated, collective and comprehensive approach based on prevention, repression, international cooperation, treatment and social reintegration of drug addicts."
