Synthetic Drugs Spread Among Hungarian Youth

Hungary is facing a growing problem with synthetic drugs, particularly amphetamines, which have become popular among young people in the poorest parts of the country. According to officials, these drugs are cheaper than alcohol and originate mostly from Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Problem

Synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly popular among young people
Amphetamines are a major concern, with many young people using them due to their affordability and availability
These drugs can have severe consequences on public health

Criminal Networks Flourish

Hungary’s criminal underworld is dominated by businessmen with ties to the government and high-level officials, who use informal patron-client networks to influence major political institutions and control lower-level ones. Loose criminal structures are also prominent in the country, involved in human trafficking, smuggling, prostitution, stolen-car rings, and drug trafficking.

Foreign Actors

Italian, Albanian, and Georgian mafia-style groups have a significant presence in Hungary’s criminal markets
Turkish groups exert influence over the heroin market

Corruption and Organized Crime

The Hungarian economy is plagued by corruption, with many companies reporting irregular payments and bribes to secure government contracts and licenses. The public procurement sector is particularly vulnerable to corruption, with officials often expecting gifts in exchange for favors.

Corruption in the Justice System

The risk of corruption within the justice system is moderate to high
Bribes and irregular payments can influence judicial decisions

Lack of Transparency and Predictability

Hungary’s economic regulatory framework is conducive to doing business, but there is room for improvement in terms of transparency and predictability. Multinational corporations have complained about favoritism towards Hungarian and government-linked firms, while the government has tried to conceal contracts and finances of state-owned companies.

Efforts to Improve Transparency

The government has made efforts to improve transparency, including publishing some information on public procurement
However, more needs to be done to ensure transparency and predictability in the economy

Despite some progress, human trafficking victim-assistance services remain scarce and uncoordinated. Efforts have been made to advance victim support, including the appointment of specialized investigators and legislative amendments for child victims.

Challenges Facing Civil Society

Lack of proper frameworks for child-victim identification and referral
Increasing concentration of ownership in the media landscape, with many outlets tied to the prime minister

Drug Use and Prevention

Hungary has an anti-drug strategy that focuses on enhancing treatment services, both through the state healthcare system and social services in cooperation with NGOs. However, prevention efforts are lacking, with no assessments of the action plan to combat human trafficking.

Need for Effective Prevention Efforts

More needs to be done to address the growing problem of drug use among young people
Prevention efforts should focus on educating young people about the dangers of drug use and providing alternative activities and support systems.