We are facing new challenges in the area of drug prevention and combating: a newly established drug commission is to develop a city-wide strategy to reduce drug abuse and its consequences. The focus will be on stronger networking between the relevant stakeholders and local politicians.

"We need to prepare Wolfsburg specifically for the challenges ahead, and the Drug Commission will play an important role in this," explains Iris Bothe, Head of the Department for Youth, Education and Social Affairs. "Through close cooperation and coordinated measures by all those involved, we want to get the drug problem under control in the long term."

"By reactivating the Drug Commission, we are taking a holistic approach that combines prevention, education and support for those affected," adds Andreas Bauer, Head of Citizens' Services, Finance, Fire Service, Health and Sport. "Through exchange and networking in the Drug Commission, we are strengthening cooperation in order to jointly develop sustainable solutions for Wolfsburg."

The commission's first tasks include taking stock of the current drug situation and evaluating existing measures. Both preventative and interventional approaches are to be developed on the basis of this analysis. The drug commission is made up of members from the city council, the police, the drug counseling service (DROBS), Christian Drug Work Wolfsburg and other institutions. However, the commission has no decision-making powers.