Following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call for an all-out fight and his statement that“Drug-related terrorism is just as bad as armed terrorism,” the draft report of the Substance Abuse Research Commission established by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey has been completed.
Opposition parties were asked to draft their dissenting opinions and submit them to the committee. If the report is not debated in the Grand National Assembly plenary session—which is scheduled to adjourn on May 15 due to the June 24 election—the committee will be deemed to have done no work at all. The report drew attention with its proposal to establish an Undersecretariat for the Fight Against Addiction under the Presidency, in reference to the Presidential Government System to be adopted after June 24, 2018.
Some of the recommendations included in the report obtained by Milliyet are summarized as follows:
– Given that the term “narcotic substance” may also evoke positive connotations, care should be taken to use terms such as “substance” or “addictive substance” instead.
– It should not be forgotten that the fight against substance abuse began with the fight against smoking.The deterrent regulations introduced regarding cigarette use must also be implemented for hookah use. It would be appropriate to enact regulations prohibiting the opening of hookah cafes and banning hookah use in enclosed spaces.
– As part of the fight against drugs, there is a need for an institution composed of experts that will provide coordination and cooperation, exercise leadership, and develop science-based policies.This structure could be organized as the General Directorate or Undersecretariat for the Fight Against Addiction, under the Presidency, taking into account the provisions of the Constitution that will take effect after June 24, 2018.
– To combat drugs, mechanisms must be established to intercept them in source countries before they reach our country; if this cannot be achieved in source countries, they must be intercepted in transit countries.Regarding synthetic drugs originatingin Europe, it is necessary to enhance cooperation and dialogue with Europe and increase pressure on the relevant countries.
– It would be appropriate for our country to take the lead in establishing an international organization to combat drug trafficking, particularly by establishing a committee to combat drug trafficking within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with its headquarters in Turkey.
– Given that young people—the target audience for illicit drugs—make heavy use of the internet, particularly social media platforms; the sale of drugs via the darknet (dark web)/deep web (deep web) and the traditional internet to sell drugs and to post content that describes or encourages drug use. It is essential that relevant agencies—particularly those combating cybercrime—take effective action against these activities and that these agencies be strengthened in terms of logistics and personnel.
– It was determined that revising the regulations regarding bonuses awarded for drug seizures (such as paying bonuses in a single installment, reorganizing units that do not receive bonuses, providing case-by-case bonuses for small-scale seizures as part of efforts to combat street dealers, etc.) would be appropriate.
– It would be appropriate to provide trainingto relevant individuals (private security guards, neighborhood leaders, shop owners, etc.) on preventing the supply of drugs at the neighborhood and street levels.
– It would be appropriate to step up efforts to detect and continuously monitor illegal cultivation areas by leveraging technological advancements (such as the use of UAVs, the TUYGUN Project, etc.).
– Regulations should be put in place to allow law enforcement personnel to conduct inspections and checks in areas of greenhouses other than those used as residential spaces, with the aim of identifying areas where cannabis plants are being cultivated illegally within their jurisdiction.
– It is assessed that expanding the Gendarmerie’s authority to intercept and monitor communications (by lifting the current restriction that limits these activities solely to its area of responsibility) and granting it the authority to conduct investigations in the digital environment and access subscriber information will make significant contributions to the fight against drugs.
– It would be appropriate to accelerate efforts to install security camera systems in educational institutions and to expedite the joint initiatives with the Ministry of National Education regarding the monitoring of perimeter security at schools deemed to be at risk.
Expanded Authority for Customs and Border Protection and MASAK
– It is believed that the Narcotics Smuggling Prevention Branch, which operates under the Directorate of Combating Smuggling within the General Directorate of Customs and Border Protection of the Ministry of Customs and Trade,is assessed to be beneficial in the fight against drugs. Due to the increasing volume of trade, the upcoming opening of the third airport currently under construction in Istanbul, and the opening of new customs checkpoints, it has been determined that there will be a need for at least 5,000 law enforcement personnel over the next five years, 1,500 of whom will be required within the next year. To ensure that inspections are not disrupted, the necessary measures must be taken to address the personnel shortage.
– Although the General Directorate of Customs and Border Protection of the Ministry of Customs and Trade uses a large number of high-tech programs, it has become clear that full effectiveness in the fight against drugs cannot be achieved because access to records available to other law enforcement agencies (such as GBT and hotel records—fingerprints, criminal records, etc.), it has been determined that full effectiveness in the fight against drugs cannot be achieved. The necessary regulations must be implemented to ensure access to these records.
– When disproportionate assets are identified in a public employee, and if that person has not filed a timely declaration, those assets may be seized on the grounds of unjust enrichment, and the burden of proof in such cases shifts to the public employee.It would be appropriate to apply a similar measure to individuals accused of drug trafficking.It is considered that assets confiscated in connection with drug trafficking/smuggling offenses could also be used for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, thereby helping to reintegrate into society those harmed by drug traffickers.
– MASAK should be required to monitor financial transactions in real time during field operations conducted by law enforcement agencies targeting drug trafficking.
– Given MASAK’s duties, authorities, and operational results, restructuring MASAK could be considered in order to ensure that it functions more effectively as our country’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
– The issue of confiscating cash of unknown origin seized at customs may be considered.
Being able to say “no”
– The Ministry of National Education has incorporated skills such as asking for help, anger management, saying “no,” resisting pressure, self-expression, communication skills, problem-solving, stress management, and self-awareness.Consideration could also be given to offering these topics as standalone courses.
– The Regulations on Awards and Discipline in Secondary Education Institutions list “drinking alcohol at school, coming to school under the influence of alcohol, or using illicit drugs” among the behaviors warranting suspension with a certificate of withdrawal from school.Suspending a child from school does not produce the desired outcome in the context of combating substance abuse. Children who are suspended from school may be drawn into more serious crimes, such as obtaining drugs in the vicinity of the school. For this reason, it would be appropriate to amend the aforementioned regulation so that it does not require the suspension of children from school.Furthermore, measures must be taken to ensure that children and youth who are unable to attend school can be reintegrated into the educational system.
– To prevent problematic use of the Internet and information technology, it would be appropriate to develop a curriculum on the responsible use of technology.
Authority to “direct” imams
– The active involvement of religious leaders in the fight against addiction—particularly in prevention, demand reduction, referral to relevant agencies, and processes related to communication and social integration—will give new momentum to efforts in this area.
– When the Presidency of Religious Affairs prepares programs such as sermons, Friday sermons, informal discussions, conferences, seminars, etc., it should ensure that the topic of addiction is given greater prominence in these programs.
– To ensure that the Presidency of Religious Affairs contributes to the social reintegration of individuals with addictions during and after the treatment and rehabilitation process, and to ensure that its efforts to collaborate with institutions and organizations dealing with addiction are carried out in a more systematic and organized manner, it would be appropriate to assign a sufficient number of Religious Services Specialists or imams dedicated exclusively to the field of addiction treatment.
– Given that addiction is a lifelong illness, we must ensure that people’s hope is kept alive through the development of a strong sense of spirituality and values.
Analysis by the Captain
– In addition to drivers on the roads, it would be appropriate to subject captains and pilots working in maritime and air transportation to random drug testing.
– The Ministry of Health must conduct inspections of the counseling centers operated by municipalities.
– It is believed that consolidating helplines that provide advisory services—such as Alo 191, Alo 183, and Alo 156—or, if that is not possible, at least consolidating the helplines operated by the Ministry of Health, would make it easier for citizens to access these services.
– AMATEM facilities must be located near general hospitals, in standalone buildings with gardens, and equipped with the necessary security measures.
“Anti-bias training” for medical students
– It has often been emphasized that even among healthcare professionals, there can be prejudice against patients with substance use disorders. To overcome these prejudices, education in this area must be expanded in medical schools, and AMATEM rotations must be included in psychiatry residency programs.
– Ensuring that oral naltrexone tablets—which are currently sourced from abroad and covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK) —are available at domestic pharmacies would be appropriate to facilitate access to treatment. Efforts could be initiated to include the monthly injectable depot form of the drug naltrexone in the SGK’s reimbursement system.
Audit of “Private”
– It is necessary to ensure that private entities operating in the field of addiction are subject to oversight.
– Given that substance use disorder is a biological illness that requires medical treatment, NGOs that claim to provide addiction treatment should be subject to strict oversight.
– AMATEM centers should be established throughout the country to treat women with substance use disorders, based on need.
– The shortage of trained personnel in the fight against addiction must be addressed.
– A dependency database should be created to identify the target audience in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
– It would be appropriate for the relevant authorities to review the capabilities of civil society organizations working to combat addiction and to ensure that only those with sufficient resources are permitted to engage exclusively in activities to combat addiction.
ÇEMATEM should be expanded
– Since delays in initiating treatment for children receiving services at ÇODEMs (Child Support Centers) also disrupt the services provided at these institutions, ÇEMATEMs must be expanded nationwide to ensure that treatment processes can be carried out more effectively.
– It has been noted that, despite having operated in our country for 25 years, Narcotics Anonymous—a peer-support-based group for former addicts—has no legal recognition.Regulations should be implemented to ensure that the group, which works in close collaboration with AMATEM centers, is evaluated more systematically within the framework of rehabilitation and social reintegration. As a priority, the necessary assistance should be provided in securing a location.
Employment support
– A system should be established to ensure that individuals with substance use disorders are referred to and monitored by the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Family and Social Policies during or after their rehabilitation process, and to enable İŞKUR to access information about these individuals. In addition to these individuals, it would be appropriate for family members awaiting employment to be referred through municipalities to İŞKUR Provincial Directorates and Service Centers.
– In particular, it would be appropriate to establish cooperation with İŞKUR regarding the job clubs to be set up by metropolitan municipalities for people with substance use disorders, and for the municipalities to assist the Agency in obtaining permits and allocating space.
– Addicts who are unemployed during treatment should be encouraged to participate in vocational training courses offered by municipalities.
Detentions of Association Members
– It has been determined that there are 265 associations in our country that are reported to be working in the field of drug control. Allegations have been raised that some associations were even involved in drug trafficking in the past, and that certain associations exploit the hopes of substance abusers to collect money under various pretexts. To prevent such negative practices, it is necessary to conduct the required oversight and develop relevant standards.
– Civil society organizations that have made significant progress in institutionalization, such as Yeşilay, should be supported in their efforts to strengthen the capacity of other civil society organizations. It would be appropriate to grant a VAT exemption for the expenditures related to the activities carried out by the Turkish Yeşilay Society—which receives a portion of its budget from public funds—as part of its efforts to combat addiction.
– Providing tax and other incentives to companies that support activities aimed at combating addiction will help expand the scope and impact of these efforts.
– To address the issue of long wait times for test results for individuals subject to probation, establishing laboratories dedicated exclusively to this process would enable results to be obtained quickly.
– It has been noted that self-harming behavior is occasionally observed among convicted offenders and detainees with substance use disorders. It would be appropriate to expand programs aimed at teaching psychosocial life skills that will help reduce such behaviors.
There should be no news reports about how drugs are used
– Article 20 of the Press Law No. 5187 specifically provides that murder, and suicide—and that fines will be imposed on publications that exceed these limits and are likely to encourage readers to commit such acts; however, drug-related offenses are not mentioned in this provision.Accordingly, it is deemed appropriate to include “narcotics offenses” in the relevant article of the aforementioned Law.
– With regard to the mandatory publications to be issued under Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco Products, it would be appropriate to expand the scope to include forms of addiction other than tobacco.
– Since highlighting the false, temporary, and glorifying effects of substance use on individuals—whether in print or on the air—could encourage at-risk individuals, terms such as “drug lord,” “market value,” “recreational drug,” “high,” “victim,” or “drug trap”—which carry connotations of encouragement—should be replaced with terms that do not imply encouragement, such as “addict,” “person in need of treatment,” “harmful substance,” and similar expressions. Similarly, news reportsthat imply that synthetic drugs are cheap and easy to obtain should not be published.
– In a news report following an operation carried out by law enforcement, refraining from specifying the economic value of the seized substance—and instead using terms such as “bag,” “package,” or “kilogram”—may help prevent this from serving as an incentive for those seeking to profit from this illegal activity. Accordingly, methods of smuggling, dealing, and production should not be portrayed in an alluring manner, and it should not be implied that high profits are made through these means.
– Guidance regarding the use and procurement of the substance in TV shows, movies, and photographs should be avoided.
– News reports should not describe how drugs are used or provide specific details. News stories that arouse curiosity or encourage drug use among at-risk groups should not be published.Highlighting the temporary effects of drugs on individuals may lead at-risk groups to use drugs. Care should be taken to avoid emphasizing the false and temporary sense of well-being that drug use creates in individuals.
Certificates for Journalists
– It would be appropriate to introduce a certification program for journalists covering drug-related news.
– Since law enforcement agencies are the sources of news stories published in the media, the same level of care must be exercised in drafting press releases prepared by law enforcement agencies as is exercised by the media, and the text must be tailored to convey the message intended to be highlighted in the news story.
– It is necessary to develop a program that will encourage the production of theater and film works aimed at preventing addiction and to support best practices in this regard.
The Midnight Rule
– Movies that deal with drug use or contain scenes related to it should not be aired before midnight.
– In particular, 4- to 5-second mandatory ads that appear before online games—especially thoseplayed by young people—launch, and/or engaging and informative short videos of up to 10 seconds that must be watched before the game launches, should be produced.
– To promote the effective use of platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, it is important to use educational materials designed to effectively combat issues on social media—particularly those targeting young people—and, in this context, to share the stories of victims and families who have lost their children with young people on social media.
– Public service announcements on the topic of combating drug use should be broadcast during specific time slots throughout the day, rather than late at night.
– It would be appropriate to feature celebrities in public service announcements on substance abuse in an effort to attract a wider audience, and to avoid using gloomy themes and heavy music.
– Families should be informed that children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to technological devices under any circumstances, as this can hinder their cognitive development. Children should be taught proper use during elementary school and provided with a clear framework on this issue; harmful use should be prevented during middle school; and awareness campaigns regarding addiction should be conducted during high school.
– Software needs to be developed that allows families to monitor their children’s internet and gaming use, including the duration and time periods of internet use.
