Belarusian Interior Ministry joins 69th UN drug commission session in Vienna

MINSK, 10 March (BelTA) – A delegation of the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs is taking part in the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

Head of the Main Department of Drug Control and Anti-Trafficking Oleg Silvestrovich noted a positive trend: the country is seeing a decrease in the number of drug-related crimes and overdoses, including fatal ones, and the number of adolescents involved in the drug business is declining. 

However, threats remain relevant: in 2025, the country’s law enforcement agencies have seized and destroyed more than three tonnes of drugs. There is an increase in attempts to transit illicit substances from the European Union to Russia. 

Investigations into criminal cases show that an international criminal community is operating in Eastern and Central Europe, utilizing Telegram resources and electronic payments to distribute drugs. 

Oleg Silvestrovich called on states that have signed the UN anti-drug conventions to fully comply with their obligations. He also spoke out against weakening the international system of drug control, primarily the legalization of cannabis and other prohibited substances for non-medical use. 

The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs is open to exchanging information regarding all categories of criminals, including participants in international drug trafficking. “We are ready to share our experience and provide colleagues with data of interest,” Oleg Silvestrovich emphasized. “We expect mutually beneficial and non-politicized cooperation.”