MOSCOW. Sept 9 (Interfax) - The number of crimes related to illicit drug trade is increasing in Russia with every passing year with over 118,000 drug-related crimes cleared up this year.
"Illicit drug trade and use have been growing in Russia. Over 118,000 drug-related crimes have been cleared up in 2010," Prosecutor General Yury Chaika told a coordinating conference of Russian law enforcement services.
In the estimate of experts, up to 18 tonnes of heroin are smuggled into Russia each year. Three tonnes - just part of the total amount - was removed from illegal circulation in 2009. The amount of seized heroin remained small this year," Chaika said.
Police clear up drug-related crimes more effectively than the Federal Drug Control Service, he said, noting that, "the Interior Ministry solved over 60% of the registered drug-related crimes in 2009. The tendency remains the same this year," he said.
The Federal Drug Control Service is better skilled in clearing up organized drug-related crimes, Chaika said.