Drug Abuse is Spreading Fast in Belarus as well

In many countries of the world drug abuse has become a real problem that threatens people's health and stability within society. Unfortunately, Belarus is one of such countries. For several years drug abuse has been progressing. According to police statistics, the number of crimes committed by drug abusers has increased more than 12 times during the last 10 years. The amount of confiscated drugs has increased 23 times in the same time period. Drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking have a negative effect on law and order and the nations' health

Where do addicts get their drugs?

Drugs even the least expensive ones, are unaffordable to many. A great majority of drug abusers prefer to make their own drug of poppies and other plants containing narcotic substances. Consequently, illegal cultivation of such plants is becoming increasingly widespread. The spread of the illegal cultivation of opium poppies is especially menacing.

Illegal drug trafficking.

The import of illegal drugs to Belarus and the trafficking of drugs across its territory are also on rise.

Organized crime is also trying to establish control over the extremely lucrative illegal drugs market.

Along with Belarusian criminal gangs the illegal drugs business is also controlled by gangs from the Caucasus and Central Asia, from non-CIS countries are hot so active due to the small size of the Belarusian drugs market and customers' inability to afford expensive drugs.

Drug business: who is in control?

In general, the number of those wishing to enter the drug business in Belarus has increased. Many drug carriers are Belarusian citizens (mostly women). Sometimes they do it unknowingly. Belarusian citizens who carried significant amounts of drugs were arrested in Rome, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Istanbul.

Incidentally, women and teenagers are becoming increasingly involved in the drug business. Pensioners also pitch in.

Perspectives.

Experts unanimously believe that it was namely drug abuse that triggered to the spread of AIDS in Belarus.

The AIDS epidemic will continue to spread extremely fast if the country's leadership fails to allocate enough funds for the prevention and treatment of drug addiction. Belarus also lacks proper legislation to fight illegal drug traffickers.

But the increasing number of drug addicts and rapid growth of illegal trafficking business show that the measures taken in the state are not sufficient. Experts believe that issues related to drugs should be addressed not only by police measures but also effected in conjunction with medical, educational and cultural programs.

But lack of funds makes the stale ability to finance such programs extremely questionable.