The situation with drug trafficking in Belarus remains tense. The so called Ministry of Internal Affairs presented a consolidated report "On the state of work to counteract drug trafficking and prevent drug use and social rehabilitation of drug addicts".
A sharp increase in drug seizures and crimes involving juveniles
In 2024, the amount of seized drugs increased 2.6 times compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 1707.5 kg. There was also an increase in the number of drug-related crimes committed by minors or with their participation - an increase of 68.9% in the first 9 months of 2024. The trend is observed in all regions of the Republic of Belarus.
Russia is the main source of supply
The Russian Federation remains the main channel for drugs entering Belarus, which, given the lack of control at the border, is not surprising. In the first 9 months of 2024, 26 supply channels were identified, of which 22 were in Russiaand only 4 for the European Union.
In one of the high-profile cases, on July 2, 2024, a citizen of the Russian Federation was detained in Gomel, who organized a laboratory for the production of a particularly dangerous psychotropic substance - mephedrone.
New threats: clandestine laboratories and online stores
In Belarus, the number of detected premises adapted for the cultivation of narcotic plants increased (116 versus 86 last year), as well as online stores engaged in the sale of drugs (34 vs. 20).
Despite the efforts of the so-called law enforcement agencies, the detection rate of crimes related to drug sales remains at an average level - 52.8% in 2024 versus 46.9% in 2023. At the same time, there is a decrease in the number of identified criminals, including drug dealers: -4.1% and -7.4% respectively.
Causes of deterioration: unresolved challenges and agency failures
The MIA attributes the deterioration of the situation to the failure to implement the instructions of the Council of Ministers of August 8, 2024.
For example, Lukashenko's Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) are accused of: lack of round tables, seminars and trainings, as well as insufficient organization of leisure and work activities for youth. Mass agitation and educational activities were not carried out.
The criticism is also addressed to the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Sport, which have not ensured the fulfillment of their tasks.
BELPOL Comment
As before, the so-called "law enforcement system" in Belarus is much better at fighting dissent than at fighting real crime, inventing crimes where there are none, while successfully solving them.
Long Live Belarus!
