Drug-Related Convictions in Russia Drop by 22% in One Year

In 2019, around 80,000 people in Russia were convicted of crimes related to the illegal drug trade. This represents a 22% decrease compared to 2018, according to Vyacheslav Lebedev, Chairman of the Supreme Court.

The majority of convictions (73%) were for the purchase or possession of drugs, while another 22% were for production and distribution, Lebedev reported at a judges’ meeting.

According to data from the Judicial Department of the Supreme Court, more than 101,000 people were convicted of drug-related crimes in 2018. In 2017, the number was 113,000, and in 2016, it was 116,000.