How do drugs enter Moldova? Head of Anti-Drug Department gives explanations

The drugs consumed and trafficked in Moldova mostly come from Ukraine and European Union states, where criminal groups — including Ukrainian citizens — have set up laboratories to produce synthetic substances. The head of the Anti-Drug Department of the National Investigation Inspectorate (INI), Ruslan Cucu, has made statements to this effect during the programme, Public Space, on Radio Moldova.

Ruslan Cucu said that, before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, almost all synthetic drug flows initially came from this country.  Subsequently, the criminal groups dispersed: some emigrated to the EU, some remained in Moldova, and along with them, the drug traffickers relocated too.

‘’Initially, the drugs were coming from Ukraine. Meanwhile, traffickers have set up laboratories in European Union countries, where they produce synthetic drugs. Now we have more routes to Moldova,’’ said Ruslan Cucu.

Routes have diversified with increased border controls

While in 2022–2023, most drugs entered via the Ukrainian route, in recent years, however, traffickers have relocated their activities.

‘’Thus, more and more shipments are arriving in Moldova from Poland, other EU states, and even from Canada, including via postal parcels — as was the case reported at Poșta Moldovei (Moldova’s Post), where the senders were Ukrainian citizens,’’ said Ruslan Cucu.

The cases of drugs found at the Albita–Leuseni border also come from European countries, the official noted.

Massive increase in synthetic drugs’ quantities

Ruslan Cucu emphasized that Moldova was facing an explosion in volumes of synthetic drugs, especially PVP ('salt').

Thus, in 2024, 8 kg of PVP were seized in the first 10 months, and in 2025 the volume increased to 42 kg, representing a rise of several hundred percent. At the same time, the quantities of hashish increased from 13 kg last year to over 15 kg in 2025.

The official specified that, at present, currently, over 1,100 drug sample analyses are still in process, so the real figures are even higher.

Marijuana: Half imported; half locally grown

Marijuana continues to arrive both from outside and is cultivated on territory of  Moldova. The head of INI’s Anti-Drug Department said that, in 2024, 27 kg had been detected, and in 2025 - already 38 kg.

‘’A good deal is grown right here. About 50 per cent comes from outside the country, 50 per cent - from Moldova. However, imported marijuana is of high quality and is more sought after on the market,’’ Cucu specified.

Given that the volumes of identified drugs are increasing annually, authorities have announced intensified control and investigation measures.