Drug den uncovered in Chisinau; five detained

Moldova1, 22 February 2026 14:00

Law enforcement officers conducted a raid on a building late at night on February 22, where a drug den was reportedly being established. Five individuals were arrested, suspected of organizing and operating the facility.

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Last 12 hours
20:00
The collaboration between entrepreneurs and local authorities creates jobs and delivers tangible benefits to the community. In Trușeni, located in the Chișinău municipality, an industrial zone is being established to accommodate various businesses, including a furniture factory, a textile factory, and warehouses. City Hall has assisted small entrepreneurs in obtaining the necessary permits to begin construction. Among those benefiting from this initiative are Moldovans who have worked abroad and have chosen to return home.
19:00
The Republic of Moldova will celebrate Wine Day at home this year in the heart of the capital. The 25th edition of National Wine Day will be held in the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) on October 3rd and 4th.
19:00
Farmers in the Republic of Moldova can receive grants of up to 50,000 euros for cooperation initiatives in seed production and valorization. The application deadline is March 16, 2026.
Last 24 hours
15:40
The jubilee edition of the International Music Festival "Mărțișor" will be held from March 1 to March 12 in Chișinău. This marks the 60th edition of the festival, which will feature over 20 events, including symphonic concerts, opera, ballet, chamber recitals, and special projects. This year's theme is "The joy of being together."
15:40
On Sunday, February 22, over 100 Ukrainian refugees gathered at the Archaeological Park in central Constanta, Romania, to protest against Russia's war in Ukraine, according to G4Media.ro. The protesters chanted in front of the Russian Consulate, saying, "Russia is a terrorist state" and "Putin should go to court."
15:30
City halls across the country are increasingly prioritizing social projects. For instance, in Ungheni, a social taxi service has been established. This service allows elderly individuals and people with disabilities to travel free of charge to essential places such as the post office, pharmacy, or polyclinic. Ungheni City Hall launched this program nearly two years ago, and since its inception, the number of beneficiaries has been steadily increasing. During the cold season, drivers tend to make more trips, as it becomes more challenging for elderly individuals and people with disabilities to get around.
14:00
Individuals required to pay the mandatory health insurance premium in the Republic of Moldova can do so quickly and easily, including through the EVO application, directly from their mobile phones, according to the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM).
14:00
Law enforcement officers conducted a raid on a building late at night on February 22, where a drug den was reportedly being established. Five individuals were arrested, suspected of organizing and operating the facility.
13:40
The Republic of Moldova and Cyprus are starting negotiations to sign a Social Security Agreement. This announcement was made by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, following her meeting with the Cypriot Minister, Marinos Moushouttas, and the Deputy Minister of Social Protection, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina. The agreement is expected to offer additional protections to Moldovan citizens who are currently working or have previously worked in Cyprus.
11:00
There are currently more than 1,360 teaching positions vacant in educational institutions across the Republic of Moldova. The Ministry of Education and Research (MEC) is encouraging graduates from pedagogical colleges and faculties, as well as final-year students, to pursue careers as teachers in general education institutions throughout the country.
9:50
The Winter Olympics have concluded after three weeks of competition. Tonight, the closing ceremony will be held at the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater located in the center of the northern Italian city.
9:40
Poor accessibility continues to be a major challenge for people with disabilities. The lack of access to public buildings remains a persistent issue for those with special needs, who often depend on others.
9:10
Ukrainians are "ready to achieve peace." The initial points that should be addressed in the ongoing peace negotiations with the Russian Federation and the United States include a "complete ceasefire," followed by security guarantees for Ukraine.
9:00
A total of 250 technology-savvy students tested their creativity and skills in the "FIRST Tech Challenge" championship. The participants built and programmed robots that could sort and propel balls. Organized into teams, these teenagers not only designed the robots but also managed budgets, sought sponsorships, and divided responsibilities, much like in a startup environment.
Yesterday
20:30
The police intervened in several entertainment venues in Chisinau on the night of February 21. Various types of narcotic substances were detected, and 29 individuals were tested for drug use.
19:00
In the Republic of Moldova, there is a shortage of new real estate listings. As a result, the existing properties on the market are experiencing price increases. Real estate expert Eugen Țurcan explains that while demand is very high, there are few affordable options available.
18:50
On the Côte d'Azur, a Moldovan woman has established a small business centered around the tastes of her childhood. Having lived in France for eight years, she was inspired by homesickness to create cakes for the Moldovan community in the south of the country.
18:40
The government has announced that in 2026 it will launch three investment types aimed at improving national road infrastructure—this is a first for the Republic of Moldova. Specifically, over the course of this year, 210 kilometers of roads will undergo major repairs, eight new bridges will be constructed, and sidewalks will be installed in several localities that are traversed by national roads. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
18:30
A fifth person was detained on Friday, February 20, for their involvement in planning assassinations in Ukraine. The Chisinau Court decided on February 21 to hold this individual in pre-trial detention for 30 days at the request of the prosecution.
11:50
On February 24, 2026, we will mark four years since the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and twelve years since the occupation of Crimea. To commemorate these events, the human rights organization Amnesty International invites media representatives and the general public to a public event organized in Chisinau.
11:50
The Prosecutor's Office has outlined its priorities for 2026, which include focusing on cases that affect human rights and state security, aligning the legal framework with European standards, and improving the organization and efficiency of the system. While the document aims to address essential measures, experts believe it should incorporate clear provisions for justice reform.
11:40
The Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine signed a trilateral memorandum on Friday, February 20, to establish the "Cyber Alliance for Regional Resilience." The document was signed in Kyiv, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi.
11:40
The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova is a vital pillar for upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights, stated Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu during the opening of the 2026 judicial year. This event also commemorates the institution's 31 years of operation.
9:50
The Republic of Moldova is making progress in helping farmers deal with drought and climate change. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), in collaboration with the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation of IFAD Programs (UCIP IFAD), has initiated the first tenders for the construction of modern irrigation systems.
9:40
Traffic through the Tudora border crossing point is temporarily suspended in both directions due to a power outage. During this restriction, travelers are urged to use the Palanca crossing point instead.
9:00
Over 90,000 visitors arrived in the Republic of Moldova last year, an increase of about 34% from 2022, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Most were day trippers, primarily coming for rest and recreation.
8:50
The State University of Moldova hosted a public debate titled “Education and science in a knowledge-based society: Implications for our times.” The event featured two prominent figures from the Romanian academic community: Daniel David, the rector of “Babeș-Bolyai” University in Cluj, and Mircea Dumitru, the vice-president of the Romanian Academy. Both are former ministers of Education and Research.
More than 2 days ago
20:20
The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova passed a draft law in its first reading on February 19, introducing harsher criminal and administrative sanctions for individuals who threaten or assault members of the judiciary.
19:40
The Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA) is set to launch the fifth call for grant applications this March. Supported by the World Bank’s AGGRI project, this initiative marks a strategic shift toward high-value sectors.
18:50
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed the successful completion of the final wet dress rehearsal for the Space Launch System (SLS) on Thursday, February 19. The achievement marks a pivotal moment for the Artemis 2 mission, which aims to return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years.
18:10
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has announced that the first salary increases for teachers, doctors, and other public sector employees are slated to take effect this September. The Prime Minister confirmed during a broadcast on TV8 that the Government is finalizing a new Wage Law. Once debated and approved by Parliament, the revised pay scales will be implemented starting in the autumn of 2026.
18:10
Authorities in Chisinau and Kyiv have successfully disrupted a sophisticated assassination plot targeting at least five high-profile political and media figures in Ukraine. The operation, coordinated by the Russian secret services, led to the detention of 11 individuals across both nations.
17:30
The European Union is signaling a firm stance on regional security, demanding that Russia withdraws its military forces from the Transnistrian region as a prerequisite for any Ukraine peace settlement. This mandate is detailed in a strategic advisory framework circulated to member states by the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas.
16:30
U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the national emergency regarding Russia for an additional year, maintaining the sanctions regime first established following the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
15:50
The "Peace Council," a strategic body established and championed by Donald Trump, held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, February 19, in Washington. Initially conceived to address the future of the Gaza Strip, the institution—nominally led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair—is now positioning itself as a direct alternative to the United Nations.
14:40
President Maia Sandu has issued a public warning regarding the surge in sophisticated phone and online scams targeting Moldovan citizens. The Head of State emphasized that criminal networks are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence to defraud individuals of significant financial assets.
13:10
The Moldovan Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) has launched a significant legislative initiative to mandate identity registration for all prepaid SIM card users. This move aims to eliminate anonymity in mobile communications to deter criminal activities.
12:20
North Moldova is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade following the signing of construction contracts worth €4.2 million (approx. 83.2 million MDL). The investment targets clean water access and urban revitalization.
11:40
The recent sightings of a European wildcat near Orheiul Vechi and an otter in the heart of Chisinau have sparked intense public interest. While environmentalists view these species as vital indicators of ecosystem health, experts warn that enthusiasm must be grounded in scientific data.
10:50
Moldova has marked a historic milestone in its energy sector by deploying its first 25-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS). This initiative represents a critical step toward stabilizing the national grid and reducing reliance on external energy sources.
10:10
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has opted to bypass the traditional 100-day formal report, announcing instead a comprehensive government balance sheet for the Moldovan Parliament in late March or early April.
9:30
Moldova’s upcoming cooperation program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will focus on macroeconomic validation rather than new financial disbursements. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu confirmed that the IMF Executive Board will meet on February 27 to evaluate the country's progress under Article IV.
8:30
President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, a new international body designed to spearhead the reconstruction and stabilization of the Gaza Strip. The United States has committed $10 billion to the initiative, while other member states pledged an additional $7 billion for humanitarian efforts.
19 February 2026
20:40
The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova ratified a strategic agreement with the Government of Japan on February 19, securing a non-reimbursable grant of approximately €1.07 million (approx. 21 million MDL) for the modernization of Teleradio-Moldova (TRM).
20:10
Authorities in Chisinau conducted a series of coordinated raids on Thursday, February 19, targeting companies in the construction, architecture, and design sectors.
19:20
Chisinau municipal governance has reached a standstill as the Municipal Council (CMC) failed to resume its session for the second consecutive month. The meeting, originally convened on January 20, remains suspended due to a persistent lack of quorum, leaving critical administrative decisions and the city's annual budget in limbo.
18:40
The British Embassy in Chisinau has issued a critical update for travelers heading to the United Kingdom. Starting February 25, 2026, all Moldovan citizens must secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure.
17:50
Replacing old, energy-intensive appliances with high-efficiency models through the EcoVoucher program is projected to generate annual savings of 8 million kWh. This reduction translates into approximately €1.53 million (approx. 30 million MDL) in financial savings, according to the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED).
17:10
Historians Lidia Prisac and Ion Xenofontov have released a landmark two-volume encyclopedia titled "Chisinau: The Second City of Greater Romania (1918–1940)." The work meticulously reconstructs the urban landscape and daily life of the city during the interwar period. This was a pivotal era when Chisinau served as a vital cultural and economic hub within the Romanian Kingdom.
16:20
A record 2,740 individuals were placed under electronic monitoring in Moldova throughout 2025. This figure represents the highest annual utilization of the system since its official launch.
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