2.6 metric tons of heroin seized in Russia last yearJanuary 15, 2014 - 12:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s anti-drug agency seized just over 2.6 metric tons of heroin last year, about 20 percent more than in 2012, the agency’s head said, according to RIA Novosti. Russia is a major destination for opiates from Afghanistan, where poppy plantations spanned a record 209,000 hectares last year, Federal Drug Control Service chief Viktor Ivanov told journalists in Moscow. The Russian anti-drug agency conducted 735 special operations last year, including 53 on an international scale, the chief said. One such operation, conducted over the New Year’s holidays and aptly codenamed “Santa Claus,” took 80 kilograms of heroin off the streets, an amount that would have sufficed for 1.5 million single hits, Ivanov said. He estimated the number of drug addicts in Russia at 8 million in mid-2013, although he said the figure had decreased by 500,000 year-on-year. Photo: RIA Novosti Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |