# Allegations of drug use among Croatian officials

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/allegations-of-drug-use-among-croatian-officials
> Updated: 2026-11-08T10:55:00.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 4.

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković has called for mandatory drug testing for all politicians in Croatia, alleging widespread cocaine use within state institutions. During a City Council session, Franković claimed that at least 10 percent of employees in various bodies, including courts, the State Attorney’s Office, the Croatian Parliament, and municipal councils, are users. He described a regular influx of cocaine, noting that demand has increased following a successful tourist season.

The Association of Croatian Judges (UHS) has rejected these claims, describing them as unacceptable and noting that the Mayor provided no concrete facts or evidence to support such generalizations. In response, the UHS released statistics from the Municipal Court in Dubrovnik for the 2025 and 2026 period, emphasizing that courts rule based on legally obtained evidence and that prosecution falls under the jurisdiction of the police and the State Attorney’s Office.

Franković, who is also an HDZ Member of Parliament, has submitted an initiative to the Ministry of Justice and Administration to mandate prison sentences for drug trafficking to prevent courts from issuing suspended sentences. He has criticized the UHS for using selective statistics, arguing that while Dubrovnik shows high rates of unconditional sentences, national statistics indicate that 68 percent of drug trafficking convictions result in suspended sentences.

Anita Bonačić Obradović, president of the Dubrovnik SDP, has accused the Mayor of hypocrisy, noting that as a member of the ruling HDZ party, Franković shares responsibility for the national legal and prevention systems he is currently criticizing.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-08: Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković criticizes drug sentencing and local politics

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković is challenging the leniency of drug sentencing in Croatia while facing political criticism regarding his party's responsibility for the current legal system.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-frankovi-criticizes-croatian-judges-over-drug-sentencing

### 2026-11-05: Dubrovnik Mayor and Judges Clash Over Drug Sentencing

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković is demanding mandatory prison sentences for drug traffickers, prompting the Association of Croatian Judges to defend judicial efficacy with local sentencing statistics.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-frankovi-proposes-mandatory-prison-sentences-for-drug-trafficking

### 2026-11-03: Croatia prepares new laws to combat digital sexual harassment

Croatia is drafting Criminal Code amendments to criminalize cyberstalking, digital harassment, and the sending of unsolicited explicit content, including AI-generated deepfakes, to align with EU directives.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-judges-association-rejects-drug-use-claims

### 2026-10-31: Dubrovnik Mayor proposes drug testing for Croatian politicians

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković has proposed drug testing for all Croatian politicians, alleging significant cocaine use within state institutions and the political sphere.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubrovnik-mayor-proposes-drug-testing-for-croatian-politicians

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Cite as: Allegations of drug use among Croatian officials. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/allegations-of-drug-use-among-croatian-officials