Editors letter
Drug use criminalization, supported by the legislation in our country, additionally
reinforces existing stereotypes on drug users, regardless of the category to which they
might belong. The issue’s articles examine the link and relationship among drugs,
people who use drugs and the police. Positive instances on the link between drugs and
the police are still lacking, particularly in regards to drugs users, meaning instances
depicting the police as a citizens’ service instead of an intimidating institution. This calls
for educating drug users on their rights during their first contact with the police.
Simultaneously, police officers need to be sensitized on working with drug users. We
still have hope that Macedonian institutions will be able to build the necessary
capacities in this context, eventually allowing us to speak of the positive role the police
have in regards to drug use.
The Editors
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