Russia is facing a serious issue with drug trafficking. Over the past two years, cocaine smuggling into the country has increased dramatically, reports Ziare.
This issue has become even more apparent as Russia is dealing with the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Despite harsh penalties for drug trafficking, it seems that smugglers are finding new ways to get drugs into the country.
According to the Izvestia newspaper, Russia seized 5.2 tons of cocaine between 2023 and 2024. This is a significant increase from previous years.
Cocaine is now flooding the country, and the situation is getting worse. The newspaper reported that smugglers are changing their methods of transporting drugs into Russia.
After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the port of Odessa was closed. As a result, large stocks of cocaine meant for other countries have been rerouted through Russia.
Russian authorities have been cracking down on drug smuggling. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB have reported more cocaine seizures.
The increase in cocaine shipments comes at a time when global cocaine production has also risen. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported a 24% increase in global cocaine production in 2022.
Izvestia also found that drug smugglers are using creative methods to hide cocaine. For example, cocaine is often hidden inside fruit shipments, especially bananas.
These shipments bypass inspections because the sealed containers are necessary to keep the fruit from spoiling.
Cocaine is also hidden in shipments of cocoa beans, coffee, fish, and porcelain vases. The world’s largest drug cartels, including the notorious Cali Cartel in Colombia, have been linked to the cocaine entering Russia.
While cocaine is flooding the country, most of it is not for domestic use. Cocaine is expensive in Russia, and most drug users turn to synthetic alternatives.
However, drug overdoses are becoming more common. Experts believe the situation is worsened by dangerous additives mixed with the cocaine to lower production costs.
These overdoses are often linked to alcohol consumption as well, making them even more dangerous.
