MOSCOW, October 17 (RIA Novosti) – Those selling a synthetic cannabis, widely known as “spice”, could face up to eight years in prison, if consumption of the drug results in an individual’s death, or if the distribution process is managed by an organized syndicate, the Russian Federal Drug Control Service (FKSN) indicated on Friday.
“Lawyers have decided to take a tougher stance against the distribution of illegal substances. FKSN has proposed to send those who distribute “spice” to jail for eight years, if the use of the drug results in someone’s death or if the sales are managed by an organized group”, said Russian newspaper Kommersant.
Since late September, a large number of poisoning cases have been recorded in Russia.
“Over 700 cases [of poisoning] have been recorded, including more than two dozen deaths”, Viktor Ivanov told RIA Novosti at a State Anti-Drug Committee meeting last week.
The most affected regions are the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (North of Russia), Kirov Region and the Republic of Bashkortostan.
