MOSCOW, October 7 (RIA Novosti) — The head of the police's anti-narcotics department in southwest Siberia has been arrested for selling heroin, local investigators said Monday.
The official was detained near a shopping center in Omsk last week.
The Investigative Committee said the suspect was detained with "a significant amount" of heroin and money he had received from a sale.
Police also seized drugs during a search of the official's house and office, the statement said.
Russia, which is the main conduit of drugs originating in Afghanistan, holds the first place worldwide for the number of heroin addicts per capita. More than 90 percent of drug addicts in the country use heroin.
The heroin market in Russia is valued at $6 billion by various sources, while the country's hashish market is estimated at $1.5 billion.
Between 30,000 and 40,000 Russians die every year from drug-related illnesses, according to official statistics.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
