HÜDA PAR Mersin lawmaker Faruk Dinç has sounded the alarm over the rising threat of addiction, urging stronger action during a speech at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

Addressing Parliament, Dinç warned that multiple forms of addiction — including drug abuse, digital dependency, gambling, and other behavioral addictions — are endangering Türkiye’s youth and, by extension, the country’s future. He stressed that lawmakers must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete, effective measures to confront the growing crisis.

Calling addiction a serious social wound, Dinç said drug traffickers indiscriminately target society for profit, putting young people at risk. He emphasized the need for a united and determined fight against those who spread narcotics.

During his remarks, Dinç also presented key elements of a bill submitted by his party. The proposal calls for mandatory treatment for addicts and significantly harsher, deterrent penalties for drug barons, traffickers, and producers — particularly those operating within organized criminal networks. It also seeks to double the sentences for public officials found guilty of involvement in drug-related crimes.

Dinç further argued that combating substance abuse should be one of Parliament’s foremost priorities. He advocated expanding the presence of non-governmental organizations that provide spiritual guidance and drug-free rehabilitation services, saying such efforts can help strengthen young people’s resilience and willpower.

Concluding his speech, Dinç underlined that the fight against addiction transcends political divisions, describing it as a matter that stands above party lines. (ILKHA)