Narcotic mix Spice on sale in Minsk despite ban

Smoking mixes were banned in Belarus from January 1, 2010. But there is still no problem to buy them in Minsk. Many e-shops in the internet that used to sell smoking mixes have closed, with their contact numbers switched off. However, new internet shops with new 'spices' have popped up. The European Radio for Belarus' correspondent has found the phone number of one of dealers in the internet.

Euroradio: Good afternoon. Can I buy an aromatic mix?

Dealer: It is still possible.

Euroradio: Do you have Dja Rash?

Dealer: No, it is not there. We have new ones only. The old ones are banned, but the new are okay. In principle, they resemble the old ones. The cost is between Br50,000 and Br90,000.

The Drug Enforcement Agency at the Minsk region told Euroradio that they banned chemical narcotic substances but not the mixes. If no banned substances are found in new 'spices', it means they are allowed.

The active substances in 'spices' are synthetic chemicals, not the herbs, says Belarus' chief narcology doctor Aliaksei Aliaksandrau. "Two groups of synthetic compounds -- JVH and CP -- were banned. These two compounds with various radicals are dangerous", he explained.

Але ж новыя злучэнні з'яўляюцца ўвесь час. У суседняй Польшчы пасля забароны адных злучэнняў адразу ж з'яўляліся новыя, якіх няма ў спісе.

The list of banned substances is updated, but only several times a year. Therefore, new mixes will be allowed, because time is needed to study them.

The drug enforcement officials said no criminal case was filed against dealers since the New Year. However, several people were detained.