Czech government plans tighter regulation of kratom as enforcement action seizes tens of thousands of products
The cabinet has announced its intention to introduce an excise tax on kratom and raise the age limit for purchase from 18 to 21 years. Security forces have meanwhile concluded a large-scale enforcement operation with massive seizures.
Czech government plans tighter regulation of kratom as enforcement action seizes tens of thousands of products
Prague wants to significantly limit the availability of the controversial substance kratom. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš unveiled the concept of new legal regulation at a press conference on Monday, which is to include an excise tax and an increase in the minimum age for legal purchase from the current eighteen to twenty-one years. At the same time, Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar summarised the results of a large-scale enforcement operation in which security forces secured vast quantities of goods. This was reported by the portal Aktuálně.cz.
Kratom currently represents one of the few psychoactive substances with lower risks that can be legally distributed in the Czech Republic – exclusively through roughly 170 licensed specialist shops. E-commerce may only be operated by brick-and-mortar shop operators; vending machines are prohibited. Goods are subject to oversight and purchasers should be informed of the composition and recommended dosage.
Despite this relatively strict framework, Babiš characterised the previous approach as a mistake. "We are not and will not be a government that legalises drugs," he said, noting that the Czech Republic represents an "absolute anomaly" in a European context. In many other EU member states, this substance is indeed on the list of prohibited drugs. The Prime Minister compared kratom to a "children's drug", pointing to its easy availability to minors.
Finance Minister Alena Schillerová added that the relevant legislative amendment will be prepared jointly by the health and finance ministries. In addition to raising the age limit, an increase in VAT from the current 12 to 21 per cent is planned. The level of excise tax should be "proportionate".
Following this announcement, Interior Minister Metnar presented the results of a four-week operation called Korund aimed at suppressing the illegal distribution of kratom and low-potency cannabis (CBD). Police and other enforcement authorities secured almost 86,000 items and 155 kilograms of kratom. Over 11,000 products were ordered to be withdrawn from the market or destroyed.
During the operation, three retail premises were closed and 25 e-shops were locked down. Police also seized goods from 63 vending machines. "It is precisely these machines and internet sales that represent one of the greatest risks. Dangerous products are easily accessible to children and minors, the group we must protect," Metnar explained.
Director of the National Drug Prevention Centre Jakub Frydrych clarified that the operation targeted CBD preparations offered in vending machines, online and brick-and-mortar shops, which are often enriched with synthetic cannabinoids, as well as kratom sold in breach of regulations.
The checks led to the initiation of criminal proceedings in 87 cases. In 112 further cases, police are investigating whether criminal conduct by specific individuals has occurred. Administrative proceedings are being conducted by customs officials, hygiene inspectors, agricultural and food inspectors and commercial inspectors.
A legislative proposal strengthening state powers in market control and restricting the availability of these substances to young people is expected to be received by the cabinet by the end of July.
Source: Aktuálně.cz