Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 May (BelTA) – Tough measures designed to fight the spread of illegal drugs have helped considerably reduce the level of this threat in Belarus. Belarusian Interior Minister Igor Shunevich made the relevant statement after delivering his report to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 22 May, BelTA has learned.

The interior minister said: “My report was based on statistics, which demonstrates that we’ve managed to considerably reduce the drug threat in the country by means of tough legal measures and practical actions, unorthodox measures in some cases. We can now say that we’ve adequately responded to challenges and threats created by the narcotic expansion in our country.”

Speaking about differentiating the punishments for consuming and selling narcotics, the official said that differentiated punishments already exist to an extent. “The relevant article of the Criminal Code delimitates the punishments for using illegal drugs and for selling them. Every action comes with a special punishment ranging from small ones to higher ones,” stated the interior minister.

Igor Shunevich also informed Alexander Lukashenko about the Interior Ministry’s performance so far this year. According to the interior minister, the key trends, which emerged last year, continued into this year: the overall crime level continues falling.

Cooperation of the Belarusian Interior Ministry with CIS and non-CIS states was also discussed during the meeting. Igor Shunevich pointed out that many countries are interested in borrowing the experience of Belarusian law enforcement agencies in the area of public security. “We have something to share. These contacts will be implemented soon via practical agreements and terms,” he added.