"Croatian Armed Forces have zero tolerance for drug abuse," Defence Minister, Mario Bozinovic, said on Wednesday, state agency Hina reported, adding that "in the context of the latest drug abuse cases" he announced "stricter control and disciplinary measures aimed at reducing drug abuse to a minimum and protecting the reputation of the Croatian Armed Forces."

Speaking to reporters before of a cabinet meeting, Banozic said that “in accordance with the Drug Abuse Prevention Act, the military police were implementing emergency control measures,” Hina said.

Hina did not elaborate what the Drug Abuse Prevention Act proscribes or what the “emergency control measures” are.

Banozic reportedly confirmed that along with the four soldiers who had tested positive for drugs in early July, another three soldiers tested positive for illegal substances on Friday, while one more soldier tried to avoid testing. These cases of drug abuse were previously reported by the local media, albeit with no additional context.

Banozic said on Wednesday that a total of 30 soldiers stationed at army barracks in Split, Ploce, Udbina, Delnice, Vinkovci, and Velika Gorica have been tested so far, and that drug testing in the military would continue.

“The minister expects everyone in the Armed Forces to make joint efforts to prevent drug abuse,” Hina announced.

He also said that the military police were still investigating a recent series of suicides by military personnel and that “the public would be notified of the results of the investigation in due course.” Banozic also announced stepping up mental health counseling for members of the Armed Forces.