From 8 to 11 April 2025, specialised officers from Moldova’s key law enforcement agencies gathered in Chișinău for an intensive training on online and offline national and cross-border investigations on illicit drug trafficking. The four-day training was organised by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) at the request of Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
The training comes at a crucial moment for Moldova, a country grappling with the dual challenge of being both a source and a transit hub in the synthetic drug trade. With its geographic proximity to major trafficking routes and the increasing popularity of synthetic substances, Moldova has seen a sharp rise in illicit activity - particularly online. 
Social media platforms and encrypted communication channels have become key enablers of the sale and distribution of new psychoactive substances. The anonymous and decentralised nature of these transactions poses new and complex challenges for law enforcement, exacerbated by the ongoing instability linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
To support national efforts, UNICRI previously conducted a comprehensive analysis of Moldova’s counter-narcotics capacity highlighting the surge in online drug distribution, the emergence of new and often undetectable substances, and the importance of anti-drug efforts coordination. In response, UNICRI developed a tailored Action Plan focusing on strengthening investigative capabilities, addressing online threats, and fostering cross-border cooperation - cornerstones of the training in Chișinău.
The course covered a wide range of topics, from investigative techniques and legal frameworks to practical strategies for dismantling online marketplaces and monitoring social media. It also addressed cross-border cooperation - not only with neighbouring countries such as Romania and Ukraine, but also with other partners, including Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The participants included a wide range of investigative officers, both from Chișinău and various rayons (administrative territorial units), nominated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Participants benefited from the insights of an impressive roster of international experts, including:

•    Mr. Massimo Barbaglia and Mr. Antonio Lombardi from Italy’s Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services;
•    Mr. Bogdan Ciinaru, European Commission representative (DG CONNECT);
•    Mr. Aaron Duggan, CEPOL expert from the United Kingdom;
•    Ms. Ginger Johansson, Swedish Prosecution Authority;
•    Mr. Yaroslav Kuzmuk, representing the Counter-Narcotics Department of the National Police of Ukraine;
•    Mr. Ioan Lucian Sava, Head of the Anti-Drug Unit, Directorate for Countering Organized Criminality, representing the Romanian Police
•    Ms. Janey Young, Senior Cybercrime Specialist, United Kingdom.

Through case studies, practical sessions and peer exchange, participants strengthened their capacity to address both national and cross-border aspects of drug trafficking, with a particular focus on the online environment.

Feedback from participants was excellent, highlighting the impact of the partnership between UNICRI and MIA in tackling emerging threats, and underlining the need for more tailored initiatives of this kind.

This initiative is a key milestone in Moldova’s efforts to combat drug-related threats and marks an important step toward developing a more coordinated, modern, and effective response to meet the evolving challenges of both cyberspace and the offline environment.