Facts and stats

• Switzerland is renowned for being one of the most democratic countries in the world, making extensive use of referendums. The Federal Act 1951, which sets out Switzerland’s approach to drug enforcement, was last ratified in 2008 with a majority of 68%.

• In the early 20th Century, Switzerland’s drug legislation was largely in line with that of other European countries. However, in the 1950s and 1960s the Swiss decided to shift their emphasis from suppression to rehabilitation, reducing the harm that drug users inflict on themselves and others.

• Whilst the statistics suggest a dramatic decrease in the number of drug addicts, as well as drug-related fatalities, this approach is not popular with everyone. It is also thought to be unlikely to have the same effect in other countries, although the UK and Holland have begun to offer some illegal drugs by prescription as a means of mitigating the effects of addiction.

• Heroin is available on prescription in Switzerland.

• Statistics pertaining to the incidences of drug use in Switzerland are difficult to locate, as the decriminalisation of certain drugs means that there are no criminal arrests to record. However, the decreasing number of addicts receiving treatment suggests that overall drug use has been reduced.

• Between 1991 and 2004, the number of drug-related deaths in Switzerland dropped by 50%. Drug-related HIV infection also dropped significantly over this time.

• The “Four Pillars Strategy”, whilst having already been implemented for many years, was only enshrined in Swiss Federal law in 2008.