December 25, 2000 - 19:08 AMT
THE CRIMES CONNECTED WITH DRUGS CUT DOWN BY 50% IN NAGORNO KARABAKH
25.12.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. Owing to the measures taken by NKR Internal affairs bodies within the "Poppy-2000" operation, the number of crimes connected with growing, making, keeping, selling and using drugs is cut down by 50%, as compared with the last year, Mediamax was informed in the press service of NKR Internal Affairs Ministry.
The ministry informed that such sharp decrease has been achieved thanks to the preventive work and regular spot-checks in spring and summer - the season of growing hemp and opium poppy.
The green mass volume of hemp and opium poppy, collected by drug sellers, has also reduced two times. If in 1999 the harvest made about 9 tons, then at present - more than 4 tons, which have been confiscated and annihilated.
In 2000, according to the facts on growing, making, purchasing and using drugs, proceedings against 8 persons were instituted in total, 6 of which were fined, 2 were convicted conditionally. 5 more persons were made answerable. -0-