Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 23 October (BelTA) – Interaction between the General Prosecutor's Offices of Belarus and Russia helps work out additional measures to prevent and combat the illegal drug trade, Belarusian General Prosecutor Alexander Konyuk noted at the joint session of two agencies, BelTA has learned.

“Given the absence of land border control between our countries, the interaction of Belarusian and Russian law enforcement bodies should have a specific nature. It is only by joint concerted action that we can we mitigate the damage from drug trafficking. I believe that joint sessions of the General Prosecutor’s Offices of Belarus and Russia will help identify problems, strengthen our cooperation, and outline additional measures to prevent and fight the illegal drug trade,” Alexander Konyuk said.

The general prosecutor added that the two agencies have a good tradition of holding joint events on topical issues and exchanging the best practices. “The format of a joint session is designed to consider the matters of paramount importance. The distribution of narcotics, psychotropic substances, their precursors and analogues is a common problem for the whole international community,” he underlined.

Alexander Konyuk drew attention to the fact that the comprehensive measures adopted in Belarus have helped reverse the situation in the areas of gravest concern. “However, reasons for caution still remain in place. In the last three years, the structure of Belarus’ drug market has changed. Before 2014, it was dominated by the so-called spice (90%); but we stemmed the tide since then. This is very important as young people are the main consumers of spice. The main drugs that are confiscated today are marijuana, poppy straws, hashish, and various psychotropic substances. This means that drugs are becoming less popular among the younger generation and are becoming the domain of outcasts,” the general prosecutor stated and recalled that most drugs and psychotropic substances come to Belarus from abroad.

According to Russia’s General Prosecutor Yuri Chaika, Belarus and Russia should intensify their joint effort to combat drug trafficking. He recalled that the two countries have already held several working meetings to discuss these matters. “I suppose that such events should be arranged on a regular basis. Today we are to discuss this matter and work out specific measures,” he summarized.