Hungarian Parliament Debates Tougher Anti-Drug Measures

Hungarian drug enforcement agents prepare to breach a suspect's house in 2023.
Zoltán Mihadák/MTI
Hungarian lawmakers debate a new legislation on Wednesday targeting drug production, distribution, and use. The proposal includes stricter police powers, harsher penalties, and the potential closure of businesses tied to repeated drug offenses.

The Hungarian National Assembly convened on Wednesday to deliberate a legislative package aimed at tightening laws around drug-related offenses. According to the official agenda, the session began at 9am with discussions on proposed amendments concerning the prohibition of drug production, usage, distribution, and promotion.

Under the new legislation, police would be authorized to detain individuals for up to 72 hours if they are found in a public space in an altered mental state—especially if their behaviour severely disturbs others or public order.

The bill also proposes leniency for drug users who cooperate with law enforcement by identifying their suppliers. Additionally, shops that are linked to drug-related crimes for a second time within a year may face temporary closure.

Aside from drug policy, the session will also address the ratification of an international agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which focuses on preserving and sustainably utilizing marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Energy-related legislation is also on the docket. Proposed amendments aim to align Hungarian law with EU standards, particularly in improving the traceability of natural gas market transactions to prevent economic crimes in the sector.

Another key topic includes the modification of the district heating law. The changes would enable public acquisition of ownership rights over heating production facilities, modelled after regulations in the water utility sector, to streamline property-related legal issues in energy infrastructure.


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Hungarian lawmakers debate a new legislation on Wednesday targeting drug production, distribution, and use. The proposal includes stricter police powers, harsher penalties, and the potential closure of businesses tied to repeated drug offenses.

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