Prosecutor Claudiu Sandu argues decriminalising drug use fuels trafficking and corruption

Claudiu Sandu, former vice-president of the Superior Council of Magistracy and current council member, argued that de-criminalising drug consumption would enable users to evolve into distributors almost instantly, a shift driven by modern technology. He stressed that Romania relies solely on police and DIICOT to combat drug trafficking, noting the agency’s modest seizures at the Port of Constanța—just over 20 tonnes in 25 years, including 202 kilograms of heroin in the last five years.

Sandu warned that large drug profits corrupt politicians, magistrates and police, citing examples of threats against foreign leaders. He also pointed out that many young people start with light drugs before moving to high-risk substances and eventually selling them to fund their habit. The prosecutor questioned the effectiveness of the de-criminalisation proposal presented by senator Viorica Stoiciu and supported by Cristian Ghinea and Daniel Fenechiu.