Augustów: Police warn students about drugs and “dopalacze”

Under the urgent headline “Narkotyki, dopalacze zabijają” (“Drugs and legal highs kill”), police officers from Augustów met with students of the Augustowskie Centrum Edukacyjne to talk about the dangers of drugs and so‑called “dopalacze” (designer drugs/legal highs). The visit took place in the context of everyday school life, but it was anything but routine: the central message was that the consumption of illegal substances and synthetic drugs can be life‑threatening and always entails serious legal and social consequences.

At the beginning of their visit, the officers explained which types of drugs and addictive substances are currently particularly widespread in the region and in the country as a whole. They described in simple, accessible language how cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or synthetic mixtures are often downplayed even though they can cause massive damage to body and mind. So‑called “dopalacze”, often sold as harmless herbal blends or party pills, were also in focus: the officers made it clear that these are usually highly dangerous chemical substances with hardly predictable effects.

Consequences of breaking the law and social norms

One key part of the discussion dealt with the legal consequences that juveniles and young adults may face if they violate narcotics laws. The police explained that even possession of small amounts of illegal drugs is a criminal offence and can lead to entries in the criminal record, fines or even prison sentences. They particularly stressed that such consequences can have a long‑term impact on educational and career opportunities, for example when applying for jobs that require a clean criminal record.

At the same time, the officers pointed out that drug use almost never occurs in isolation but is frequently accompanied by other offences. Under the influence of intoxicants, the risk of traffic accidents, bodily harm or property offences increases because inhibitions are lowered and control over one’s own behaviour diminishes. Using practical examples from their daily work, the police illustrated how a seemingly harmless “party experience” can quickly turn into a chain of serious events that permanently shapes a young person’s life.

Social impact and the responsibility of young people

Beyond the legal aspects, the officers also focused on the broader social consequences of drug use and drug trafficking. They emphasised that behind every consumed substance stand criminal structures: dealers and gangs who make money from the addiction of others, and a milieu in which violence, exploitation and social neglect are commonplace. Anyone who consumes drugs indirectly supports these structures and contributes to the spread of addiction, crime and social problems.

In their conversation with the students, the police therefore also addressed personal responsibility. The young people were encouraged to think critically about the role they want to play within their circle of friends and acquaintances: whether they follow risky experiments – or whether they have the courage to say no, seek help and warn friends about dangerous decisions. The officers stressed that civil courage not only means intervening when an obvious crime is being committed or calling the police, but also setting clear boundaries in everyday life and not allowing themselves to be guided by peer pressure.

Prevention instead of punishment: support services and networks

Another central theme of the meeting was the preventive approach: the police made it clear that their goal is not to punish as many young people as possible, but to identify risks at an early stage and point out support services. They therefore informed the students about counselling centres, school psychologists, addiction counselling services and hotlines that young people can contact anonymously – whether because they have experimented themselves or because they are worried about friends or family members.

The officers were particularly keen to communicate that early warning signs must be taken seriously: changes in peer groups, sudden drops in academic performance, strong mood swings or inexplicable financial problems can all be indications of the onset of substance use. The young people were encouraged to confide in trusted adults if they are uncertain – parents, teachers, school social workers or the police, who should be seen not only as an authority that punishes but also as a partner in prevention.

Dialogue instead of frontal teaching

The event was deliberately not designed as a dry lecture; it lived from dialogue between the police and the students. Participants were able to ask questions, share their own experiences and raise issues that affect them in everyday life. Many questions centred on when exactly behaviour becomes a criminal offence, how courts deal with juveniles or what chances there are to make a fresh start after a mistake.

The officers used these questions to clear up misconceptions and provide a realistic picture of police and judicial work. They underlined that mistakes in adolescence can happen, but that it is crucial how early someone pulls the emergency brake and whether they are prepared to take responsibility for their actions. Time and again they stressed that it is never too late to seek help and change direction – but that the earlier this happens, the greater the chances of avoiding lasting damage.

Strengthening awareness of social norms

Beyond the explicit drug‑related content, the event also addressed social norms and values in general. The police stressed that rules are not arbitrary but are meant to protect life together in the community. Respect for others, a sense of responsibility, consideration in road traffic and a sensitive approach to social media were cited as examples in which compliance with the law and social norms are closely intertwined.

Using everyday situations – from the way to school to online communication and leisure activities – the officers showed how risky behaviour can gradually become normalised if no one objects. The young people were encouraged to reflect on their own values, critically examine their consumption and risk behaviour and actively help to ensure that their school remains a safe and supportive place. Drugs and “dopalacze” were presented as particularly drastic examples of developments that may seem harmless at first but can quickly spiral out of control.

A signal for close cooperation between school and police

The meeting at the Augustowskie Centrum Edukacyjne is seen by the police as part of a long‑term prevention strategy. Through regular school visits, information sessions and close cooperation with teachers and school social workers, risks are to be identified at an early stage and young people strengthened in their ability to make safe decisions. Those responsible emphasised that prevention in the area of drugs and legal highs can only succeed if schools, families, specialist services and the police work closely together.

For the students, the encounter offered an opportunity to put their questions directly to the officers and to get to know the police not only as law enforcers but also as contact persons in difficult situations. The clear message of the day was that drugs and “dopalacze” can be deadly – and that informed, self‑confident decisions are the best basis for staying away from addiction and conflict with the law in the first place.