An effective state anti-drug policy must be pursued in Belarus. This was stated on December 4 by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting on combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their precursors and analogues, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
An effective state anti-drug policy must be pursued in Belarus. This was stated on December 4 by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting on combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their precursors and analogues, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
The Head of State called for approaching the issues of combating illicit drug trafficking from comprehensive, state-wide, rather than narrow departmental perspectives. "The main goals of this task are to prevent drug addiction among the population and to resolutely suppress drug-related crime. Fortunately, we can still do this and, I must tell you, without much effort. The mechanisms of state power, its structure, and approaches allow us to solve this problem," the Belarusian leader believes.
At the same time, bureaucratic red tape is unacceptable in the fight against drug addiction, the Head of State emphasized. Addressing the meeting participants, the President, among other things, inquired whether the interdepartmental council established under the government has sufficient powers to combat drug addiction and illicit drug trafficking. "These commissions that you propose to create and new councils above the minister and those fighting drugs simply sadden me. Why you are doing this is unclear. Is it to delay, to muddy the waters of the problem? After all, what do any commission and council give?" the Head of State said.
Belarus has specialists who are directly involved in combating the spread of drugs. "We have people who, based on the law, fight this scourge – and not only the law, but moral norms, their own inner convictions. There is a minister responsible for this, there are investigators, prosecutors, and others, judges who conduct court proceedings. What else is needed, I cannot understand this at all," the President noted.
In his opinion, experience shows that the existence of numerous councils and commissions often hinders work and deprives those involved in combating drugs of initiative. "Those who are supposed to solve the problem will look to the council and commission to see what it says, what decisions it will make. And the council and commission will spend months providing answers to those looking upwards. And we will bureaucratize any process. Whether we need this or not, you must answer this question. Enough consulting," believes Alexander Lukashenko.
The President proposed to toughen penalties for drug-related crimes by amending current legislation. "For those who have particularly distinguished themselves in this area, they should receive 20-25 years. Those who have distinguished themselves less, naturally, less. Tell us what this gradation is, what these terms should be, and we will enshrine it in law. The deputies will support us," said the Head of State, addressing the participants of the meeting.
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the harshest possible conditions should be created for drug criminals in places of detention. "We need to create unbearable conditions for them in places where they serve their sentences. I don't think there are very many of them to create a separate colony for them. But if there are many, let's allocate one of the colonies for this purpose. Moreover, we have halved the number of inmates in places of detention, and there are enough colonies today. If we don't have enough such people, let's create one unit, a barracks, or something else. Let's establish such a regime for them that, while sitting in this colony, they will, frankly speaking, beg for death. The same applies to distributors," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. As for those who have become addicted to drugs, they should be treated. "Yes, they are to be pitied. On the one hand, they need to be treated, but not in a hospital where normal people are treated, but in similar sanatoriums, so that they have no time to think about anything other than sleep and work. Otherwise, some of them go to prison 10-15 times, as if it were a holiday home," noted the President.
The Head of State said that he was recently informed about two instances of the disruption of an entire drug structure, which involved not only drug manufacturers but also distributors. "Our people in the police know them by sight, they should say what measures we should apply to this category of citizens to put them in their place," said Alexander Lukashenko.
Furthermore, measures to influence drug users need to be considered. "What needs to be done to make this user afraid to even look at drugs? In my opinion, this is the main link in the chain. So, you tell me, we will include this in the law and do everything necessary to ensure it is effective," the Head of State added.
The meeting discussed the improvement of the regulatory legal framework, which would allow for a more prompt and effective fight against the drug threat. "However, based on the practical work of the police and other law enforcement agencies, some individuals could have had their heads twisted off like ducklings long ago, without citing a lack of a certain regulatory legal framework. Instead, we watch people die and shrug our shoulders – we can't do anything, you see," the President expressed his indignation.
A draft of the relevant law was presented to the Head of State. The President was interested in how comprehensively the measures to combat illicit drug trafficking, including those proposed by the new legislative act, are structured and whether they ensure counteraction to the entire possible spectrum of threats, and whether the proposed measures allow for a prompt response and suppression of any tricks by drug traffickers and manufacturers. "How adequately can we block the organizers of criminal activity, and will the bill help with this?" Alexander Lukashenko inquired.
The President recalled that a decree was issued in January of this year, ensuring comprehensive counteraction to the trafficking of opium poppy, which led to a reduction in its use. "We managed to reduce it – and immediately the problem with spice arose. What's next? Does the current bill solve this problem, how clearly can we predict and preempt possible new drug threats in the near future, do we have enough forces and means? For example, do we know how to combat drug distribution schemes that involve the widespread use of the internet?" Alexander Lukashenko noted.
Furthermore, the Head of State was interested in what legislative changes are envisaged regarding those who consume drugs, and how to return such people to a normal life. "If the adoption of the new law can shake up and activate the work of all links in the system so that it operates effectively, then let's adopt this law," the President said.
Of particular concern is the fact that the contingent of drug users in Belarus is getting younger, including schoolchildren, vocational school students, university students, and other categories of youth. The number of users of smoking mixtures has increased. Over a thousand cases of spice overdose have been registered in two years, resulting in 25 deaths. "This is a tragedy for families, for the state, and a threat to the nation's gene pool," the President emphasized. Alexander Lukashenko recalled that this issue was also raised at a recent meeting with students of the Maxim Tank Belarusian State Pedagogical University.
"Back then, I promised that we would unite all efforts to solve such a strategic task as the formation of a hardworking, educated, and healthy nation. It was stated what dangers alcoholism and drug addiction pose. These are not just misfortunes of individual fallen people; they are a serious challenge to the present and future of our society and state. And this threat concerns absolutely everyone, including those present at this table, because everyone has children and grandchildren," the head of state stressed.
A serious barrier to the spread of drugs should be the total rejection of them by society. The President emphasized that a clear hierarchy should be established in the country, defining not only the lead agency responsible for this area but also the powers of all responsible state bodies and other organizations. "There should be nothing superfluous in this. A serious barrier to the spread of drugs should be the total rejection of them by society. The formation of an appropriate worldview, based on the traditional Christian and other values of our country, is a task not only for the state and the media but also for public organizations, the church, educational institutions, and, most importantly, families and citizens," Alexander Lukashenko noted. Then, in conjunction with punitive measures, the necessary effect can be achieved.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Igor Shunevich, made a number of proposals aimed at timely response and the development of adequate countermeasures to new trends in drug crime.
In particular, the draft law provides for stricter criminal liability for the sale of psychoactive substances to minors and for the manufacture of drugs and psychotropics in drug laboratories. The Code of Administrative Offences is also planned to be supplemented with a norm providing for liability for being in a state caused by the use of narcotic drugs without a doctor's prescription. Liability for the consumption of narcotic drugs in a public place is being increased. The Law on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, their Precursors and Analogues is supplemented with provisions allowing the prohibition of the circulation of new psychoactive substances, predominantly psychotropic, for a maximum of one week. According to the minister, the adoption of this law will provide an opportunity to promptly add newly discovered substances, recognised as such by experts, to the relevant lists. Igor Shunevich noted that there is no precedent for this in any country. The term "basic structure of a chemical substance" is being introduced into the legislation. This will allow for the automatic prohibition of the circulation of up to 96% of new substances, predominantly synthetic cannabinoids, that constantly appear on the drug market.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is considered expedient to legally establish the creation and functioning of a unified centralised register of drug-dependent persons within healthcare bodies, which will prevent the removal of drug-dependent persons from the register of the narcological service due to a change of residence or placement in correctional facilities due to conviction.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also believes that the time has come to establish therapeutic and labour prophylactic institutions for drug addicts.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need to amend legislation related to internet activities. In particular, in his opinion, it is necessary to prohibit all internet users from accessing websites included in the restricted access list. Additionally, the Ministry of Internal Affairs considers it necessary to address the issue of prohibiting the creation of electronic wallets in electronic payment systems operating in Belarus without registering the full identification data of the owners in banking institutions. "The current lengthy procedure for the internal affairs bodies to obtain the necessary data from telecommunications enterprises and banks, which takes 20 to 30 days, significantly increases the chances for criminals to remain unidentified, commit a series of particularly serious crimes, conceal their tracks, or evade responsibility," the minister said.
In this regard, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs should be granted the right to promptly obtain the necessary information. "Not everyone should have this right. The head of the department should have the right, so that we can later, after analysis by the prosecutor's office, or someone else, ask: why did you need this information? You received it, but what was the result? Because you understand that the police, like our society, are not homogeneous, and it's unclear why they would request such confidential information. Therefore, this right should be granted to the minister and heads of departments. The direct executor will come to him, he deems it necessary to request information – he requests it, and the bank must provide it immediately! Set a deadline – a day or a few hours. If they don't do it, we will hold the bankers fully accountable," the President noted.
"The most democratic country in the world," the United States of America – you know what kind of democracy they have; when it comes to citizens' safety and other issues, they don't mince words: a rifle in hand and off you go. A kid picks up a toy gun – they shoot him without talking. And try to blame a police officer for it! That's the law. And we, you see, are democrats, we'll block the internet for some crooks, or a bank won't provide information, citing banking secrecy. What nonsense!" the head of state said.
"Yes, for banks, perhaps, this means some deterioration, a shortfall in money from this drug-related activity in accounts, deposits, and so on. But we are solving a more serious problem. We don't need such money," the President added.
"What is this disgrace?! They are sending drugs in parcels, and we, you see, cannot take measures! Immediately, together with your colleagues, sit down and go all out!" - said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing the minister.
The President granted the Ministry of Internal Affairs absolute powers to coordinate the fight against drugs.
"From tomorrow, you will make decisions, and regarding the fight against drugs, they will be binding for everyone," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing Igor Shunevich. "If you write me a letter to involve the President in this issue, it will be binding for me too. Only in this way can we cope with something."
"The minister has given instructions concerning this topic - the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, or others must immediately implement them," added the head of state. "As for the topic of drugs, your decision is the law for everyone. It will not be born by you in an office, but will come from colonels and majors who are directly fighting this scourge."
"A very serious situation, there is a war," noted the President. "Ordinary police officers complain: untie our hands, and we will show you how to fight them. And we, like criminals, are holding back this process, and not only intentionally, we simply consider it unimportant. It is important!"
"Everyone has young children and grandchildren. And it is unknown where they will end up. And children of officials and other influential people are no less affected than children of ordinary people who smoke, drink, and use drugs," added Alexander Lukashenko.
The President expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficient work of the Ministry of Education in explaining the dangers of drugs.
"We are not just underperforming, we are doing nothing at all! Neither at school nor anywhere else are we truly engaged. At best, it's some kind of obligatory measure: they say that drugs are bad. Every school needs to, as they used to fight tuberculosis in Soviet times: here are the terrible lungs of a tuberculosis patient, go and see what it leads to. A child's psyche at school is receptive, it will remember this forever. But they need to be shown this fear, what it leads to, pictures, films," believes the President. "The same applies to the Ministry of Health," he added.
"The most terrible crime is that a drug addict gives birth to their own kind," the Head of State continued. "Today he got drunk, got high, she did too, tomorrow they give birth and bring the child to the President or a minister: here, raise them. And it's better for us to take them away from this family than for them to raise them. Who they will raise is clear. Firstly, they are 100% ill and, possibly, future drug addicts, and secondly, criminals. Therefore, we need to look at the issue more deeply: we are destroying the nation's gene pool. Who will give birth to children? And what kind of children will be born from such people?"
"Therefore, there should be no forgiveness here! A very dangerous, very serious, and most important problem. And the most important thing is that it depends little on us. I don't think that in Belarus, just like moonshine is brewed, these synthetic drugs are produced in laboratories. They will be sent to us, brought to us, simply left behind when crossing Belarus, and so on. We must fight against this. But we have a normal government and an educated society. And we can do this today. We cannot let this process slip away," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.
"Look: Norway and Switzerland occupy the top positions in well-being rankings, the most beautiful countries where people strive to live. And they have drug addiction from the age of 10-11. In Norway itself, children aged 11-12 are drug addicts. We cannot descend to this level. Everyone must wake up and deal with these problems: both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education," said the President.
"This problem will constantly be under my control. And God forbid, someone present at the meeting or your subordinates tells me tomorrow or the day after tomorrow that we allegedly overlooked it and, having shown cowardice, did not take tougher measures," warned Alexander Lukashenko.
The Chairman of the Investigative Committee, Valentin Shae, proposed introducing and strengthening criminal liability for drug trafficking if the person who used them died afterwards.
Valentin Shae drew attention to the spread of cases of psychotropic substance trafficking by persons under the age of 16. In this regard, the Investigative Committee proposes to lower the age of criminal responsibility for drug trafficking from 16 to 14 years.
The Investigative Committee also put forward proposals regarding work with drug users. Thus, criminal liability for the consumption of narcotic drugs committed within a year after the imposition of an administrative penalty for the same actions could become an incentive for voluntary treatment for drug addiction. In addition, the Investigative Committee proposes to legally establish the possibility of compulsory medical examination for drug intoxication. Currently, there are essentially no well-developed mechanisms or legal grounds for the compulsory examination of a drug addict, stated Valentin Shaev.
The Investigative Committee also believes that to coordinate the fight against illicit drug trafficking, a long-term strategy for the relevant state policy should be developed and approved at the level of an act of the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko supported these proposals. "We need to lower the age - lower it. And regarding the examination - it's absolutely astonishing. This should have been done long ago!" said the President.
The Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo, the Head of the Main Directorate for Drug Control and Countering Human Trafficking of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Vasily Losich, and deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly also expressed their opinions and proposals aimed at tightening the fight against drug trafficking.
Summing up the meeting, the President expressed the opinion to incorporate all the voiced proposals and formalise them as a decree of the head of state in order to give special emphasis to the problem and promptness in its resolution. "It will probably be faster and more effective to adopt a Presidential decree with these strict norms. Naturally, subsequently, the parliament will make appropriate amendments and additions to the law," said Alexander Lukashenko. He also instructed to subsequently communicate all the norms of the decree to the public.
The President believes that a separate colony with very strict conditions of detention should be created for drug criminals.
The Head of State said: "If today, those who bring and sell drugs and so on, know that they will end up in this 'draconian' colony, it will deter them no less than simply being convicted. This is a murderer who brings slow death to society through drugs."
As for drug users, according to Alexander Lukashenko, by creating a therapeutic and preventive centre for them, the harshest conditions of detention should become the main method of treatment.
"And we must identify the main links. Not scapegoats, but those who produce and bring drugs here for sale, drug dealers," the President noted. "If there are fewer of them, there will be fewer drug users. We need to pay special attention to this, so that we direct our fighters against this terrible threat specifically to identifying the main links: drug producers and drug dealers. And there should be no mercy for them!"
"This threat is growing worldwide, and it will grow here too. Therefore, if we get ahead of the curve and take preventive measures, I don't think there's anything wrong with that," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
News of Belarus (BELTA)