Luxembourg's efforts to combat drug-related deaths have shown progress, with a decline in overdose fatalities linked to the implementation of controlled consumption rooms and expanded treatment programmes, according to Health Minister Martine Deprez.

The Christian Social People's Party (CSV) recently filed a parliamentary enquiry on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug users in Luxembourg. In her response, Health Minister Martine Deprez provided several insights into the topic, including that the death rate directly linked to drug use has fallen in Luxembourg. In 2015, there were 12 deaths from drug overdoses, which went down to eight in 2022, and back up to nine in 2023.

The substances most often responsible for overdoses are opioids and cocaine.

According to the minister, one of the central reasons for the drop in the number of deaths is the introduction of controlled consumption rooms in the country. Decentralising and extending substitution treatment programmes is also considered part of the solution.

As far as prevention is concerned, the National Narcotics Plan, in force until 2024, provides for a constantly growing offer. However, the minister did not provide any specific answers regarding treatment or rehabilitation programmes.

Since the CSV further enquired about combatting organised drug crime in Luxembourg, Minister Deprez explained that the fight against trafficking is an international one, and in most cases Luxembourg has to work with the authorities in neighbouring countries. As investigations are transnational, they are often long and challenging.

"The aim of these investigations is not just to enable law enforcement agencies to get their hands on a particular drug dealer, but to dismantle the entire structure of a criminal organisation’, Deprez underlined in her response. Last year, more than 3,100 drug-related offences were recorded in Luxembourg, with 187 individuals arrested in this connection.

The minister's response finally pointed out that police are not only responsible for investigations, but also for prevention, particularly in schools, and law enforcement, with a reinforced presence and international cooperation with police forces abroad.