Turkey launches long-term battle against drugs

ANKARA

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Health Minister Mehmet Müezzinoğlu made a joint press statement on Sept. 23 in Ankara, declaring a war on drugs. AA Photo

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said his government is determined to eradicate drug use by 2023, using a three-stage plan that includes forming an upper board to coordinate work with narcotics teams carrying out fieldwork.

“The fight against drugs is no less important than the fight against terror. A drug dealer is no different from a terrorist,” Davutoğlu told reporters after meeting with Health Minister Mehmet Müezzinoğlu on Sept. 23.

“Just as a terrorist must not get close to a school, a drug dealer must not either. We will keep our schools and streets free from drugs,” he added.

Davutoğlu said a higher board to coordinate government projects against drugs will be formed under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç, with the participation of eight ministers. He added that a deputy governor in 81 towns would monitor the work conducted by narcotics teams.  

The prime minister added that the first stages of the fight against drugs will continue until the end of 2015, the second from 2015 to the end of 2018 and the third from 2019 to 2023, the nation’s centennial anniversary.

“We are planning to solve this problem completely by 2023,” he said.