Police seize over 13,000 addictive products in Liberec region
During a two-month operation in the Liberec region, police officers seized more than 13,000 items of goods containing addictive substances. Criminal proceedings were initiated in 23 cases.
Police seize over 13,000 addictive products in Liberec region
Police officers secured more than 13,000 items of goods containing addictive substances during inspections at 42 establishments in the Liberec region. Criminal proceedings were initiated in twenty-three cases, and in a further fourteen cases they are investigating possible offences. This was stated by Pavel Folprecht from the regional department of general crime, as quoted by the Liberecká Drbna website.
The inspections took place in May and June as part of a nationwide operation named Korund. Its purpose was to restrict the illegal distribution of low-potency cannabis (CBD) and kratom. Police officers collaborated with customs officials, hygiene inspectors and inspectors during the operations. The secured products consisted mainly of cannabis flowers and buds, as well as pre-rolled joints, edible products, hashish, electronic cigarettes, their cartridges and disposable vaporisers.
The seized goods will undergo expert examination, which will determine their precise composition and the quantity of active substances. Folprecht warned that the items often consist of plant material from cultivated cannabis with a predominance of CBD, which is subsequently enriched with synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as substances of the MDMB-PINACA type. Current expert examination results confirm these assumptions.
Sellers often package these products in colourful packaging with animal motifs in an entertaining style, which may attract not only adults but especially children and young people. In some shops, moreover, they do not check the age of purchasers, meaning these substances easily reach minors.
Authorities warn of serious health risks. Synthetic cannabinoids are not applied evenly to the plant material, which means a user may unexpectedly receive a much higher dose than anticipated. This can cause severe intoxication, disorders of consciousness, loss of consciousness, seizures, failure of vital functions and in the worst case death.
In the region, police officers have recorded over twenty intoxications linked to these products this year. A 21-year-old man from Liberec died as a result of their use. The actual number of people who sought medical help after consumption is probably substantially higher than the number of cases known to police.
Source: Google News CZ — Crime (cs)