The Hungarian government has announced the submission of a new legislative package aimed at strengthening drug laws, which will classify the use of new psychoactive substances as a criminal offense rather than a misdemeanor.

The announcement was made by Horváth László, the government commissioner responsible for drug trafficking eradication, during a press conference on Monday.

The proposed bill will introduce significantly stricter regulations regarding drug use and trafficking, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards drug commerce.

Horváth stated, "The only correct and meaningful approach to drug trafficking is zero tolerance."

Under the new law, there will be no distinction between traditional drugs and new psychoactive substances, commonly referred to as designer drugs.

This marks a change from the current law, which sometimes treats more harmful synthetic substances as mere administrative offenses, thus limiting the options for rehabilitation and diversion for users, many of whom face financial difficulties.

Currently, users caught with such substances often receive monetary fines or community service instead of the diversion options that could aid in addiction recovery.

In response to inquiries about whether the government will allow drug prevention organizations to access schools, Horváth indicated that developments in this area are also anticipated soon.

He highlighted ongoing government efforts to reduce drug availability, noting a significant societal backing for the anti-drug campaign, which has reportedly resulted in a three to fourfold increase in drug prices and a considerable decrease in both consumers and new users.

From March 1, the police have conducted multiple operations targeting drug dealers and users, resulting in over 1,300 criminal proceedings initiated and the arrest of nearly 150 suspects.

Horváth mentioned that law enforcement has seized significant quantities of drugs and cash, amounting to several hundred million forints.

In a recent police operation on March 25, officers raided 13 locations across Pest County, leading to the apprehension of eight drug dealers and the seizure of over 20 kilograms of various drugs, including marijuana, hashish, cocaine, and amphetamine derivatives, collectively valued at over 100 million forints.

Furthermore, 135 million forints in cash and 15 million forints worth of other assets were confiscated during these operations.

On March 28, police were called to a school in Gödöllő following reports of a student experiencing adverse effects from drug use.

Three students were detained in connection with marijuana distribution during this incident, where searches of their residences uncovered 30 grams of drugs and led to their subsequent arrests.

Bátyi Péter, head of the Criminal Division of the Pest County Police Headquarters, provided updates on ongoing investigations.

Since the beginning of March, law enforcement has conducted 79 operations against drug trafficking, resulting in the detention of 124 individuals, of whom 37 were identified as dealers and 87 as users.

The new legislation being submitted is part of a broader initiative to create comprehensive drug policies and frameworks, which aim to address drug trafficking and its related issues within Hungarian society.

As part of the government's strategy, further announcements regarding drug prevention programs in educational institutions are anticipated.