Minister says support for drug addicts is adequate despite police call for more funding

At a ceremony in Mafra marking the inauguration of a Santa Casa da Misericórdia shelter, the minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security stated that the support provided to drug addicts is adequate, contrasting with a plea from the commander of the Lisbon metropolitan police for greater investment. She explained that the Social Security system already addresses cases where addiction coincides with social need, like homelessness, through existing accommodation centres.

The police chief, Luís Elias, highlighted a rise in cocaine consumption, noting its lower price, increased availability and adulteration, and linked drug use to a surge in thefts and street assaults. He emphasized that drug consumption is treated as a public-health issue since 2000 and called for renewed funding for street teams and substitution programmes. The commander also pointed out that current street-team capacities are reduced, affecting outreach and assisted consumption services.