Warsaw, under the leadership of Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, has allocated millions of złoty to organizations that assist individuals detained for drug possession, including those offering legal aid and guidelines on how to behave during police stops. These organizations, funded to carry out anti-drug initiatives, simultaneously promote leniency in drug legislation and, in some cases, the legalization of narcotics.
According to official city documents, large sums designated for addiction prevention have been granted to groups opposing criminal penalties for drug possession, as well as those supporting drag queen culture and broader LGBT initiatives.
“Do Not Accept Punishment”
The Polish Drug Policy Network (PSPN) received significant funding from the Warsaw City Hall: nearly PLN 308,000 for 2022–2024, and close to PLN 600,000 for 2024–2027.
On May 6, PSPN posted a message on social media encouraging those detained with small amounts of drugs to seek alternative measures rather than accept punishment.
“Have you been detained for possessing a small amount for personal use? Remember, there are alternatives to punishment. If you’ve been caught, do not, under any circumstances, agree to penalties. Demand an alternative resolution,” the post read.
PSPN, co-financed by the city, also offers help with drafting the necessary legal motions.
“Demand Dismissal of the Case”
The Foundation for Social Education (FES) has distributed similar materials on dealing with police in drug-related incidents.
“Say you’re an occasional user and do not have a drug problem. If you are addicted, declare it immediately. Police and prosecutors are required to treat addicts differently. Emphasize that the drugs were for your personal use and that you planned to use them immediately, for instance after returning home,” reads a leaflet produced by FES.
Another advisory note urged those detained to highlight that they had no intent to share the substances and to avoid unnecessary dialogue with law enforcement.
“Always request that the prosecutor discontinue the case due to the low social harm of your act,” advised the authors.
Marijuana and the After Party Project
In 2021, FES’s “After Party” project released content that downplayed the risks of marijuana, financed by the City of Warsaw.
“Short-term risks of marijuana use include car accidents and unprotected sex. Experimentation typically occurs during adolescence, when tolerance is lower and addiction risks are higher,” the organization stated.
New Foundation, Same Faces
In 2024, a new organization — the Splot Foundation for Health — was established. The city has earmarked PLN 688,000 for 2025–2026 for its #WisłaSPLOT project aimed at drug education in Warsaw. The foundation’s president, Natalia Juszczak, was previously the coordinator of After Party.
Over the years, FES has received substantial funds for anti-addiction work:
- PLN 104,000 for the “Conscious Youth” project (2022–2023)
- PLN 600,000 for #Wisła 23/24 (2023–2024)
- PLN 1.1 million (2024–2026) for HIV-related counseling
- PLN 380,000 (2024–2026) for the “Test Education Project”
- FES’s Test Project, co-funded by Warsaw, offers HIV tests in clubs and has run campaigns such as “How to Be a Healthy Gay in Poland,” promoting sexual health in the LGBT community and supporting pro-abortion protests.
“Use a Straw, Not a Banknote”
In a past video from the “Męskie Branie” campaign, FES shared harm-reduction advice, such as using clean straws instead of banknotes for snorting drugs and checking substances for contaminants.
“If you decide to use, do it with your own clean straw or rolled paper. Never use a banknote,” advised the video, which also stressed it was not promoting drug use.
Despite the disclaimers, the campaign drew criticism for downplaying the dangers of narcotics — and it remains a controversial example of how public funds from City Hall are used in drug-related education and advocacy.