Police seize over 13,000 items containing narcotic substances in Liberec region
During a nationwide operation codenamed Korund, police inspected 42 establishments in the Liberec region and secured more than 13,000 items containing narcotic substances. Criminal proceedings were initiated in 23 cases.
Police seize over 13,000 items containing narcotic substances in Liberec region
During inspections of 42 establishments in the Liberec region, police secured more than 13,000 items containing narcotic substances. Criminal proceedings were initiated in 23 cases, with a further 14 cases under investigation for suspicion of administrative violations. Pavel Folprecht from the regional department of general crime summarised the results of the two-month operation, as quoted by the Liberecká Drbna website.
The operation took place in May and June as part of a nationwide operation codenamed Korund, which aimed to limit the illegal sale of low-potency cannabis (CBD) and kratom. In addition to police, customs officers, hygiene inspectors and inspection workers participated in the operation. Seized goods were predominantly cannabis buds and flowers, but police also found pre-made joints, edible products, hashish, electronic cigarettes with cartridges and disposable vaporisers.
All items will undergo expert examination to determine their precise composition. Folprecht stated that plant material from cultivated cannabis with a predominance of CBD is often enriched with synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as substances of the type MDMB-PINACA. According to him, initial results of laboratory analyses confirm these suspicions.
Goods are sold in small opaque bags with striking colourful designs, which often feature animal motifs in entertaining or party scenes. Folprecht warned that such packaging may particularly attract children and young people. In some shops, moreover, sales restrictions and controls for minors are not sufficiently enforced.
The criminal investigator pointed to serious health risks. Synthetic cannabinoids tend to be applied unevenly to plant material, which means a consumer may inadvertently receive a dose several times higher than expected. This can result in severe intoxication, disturbance of consciousness, unconsciousness, serious psychological states, convulsions, organ failure and, in the worst case, death. The risk is higher among children, young people and people with health complications.
In the Liberec region this year, police have recorded over 20 cases of poisoning linked to these products. In one case, a 20-year-old man from Liberec died. The actual number of those affected who sought medical attention after use will, according to Folprecht, likely be substantially higher, as the figures include only situations in which police were called.
Source: Google News CZ — Crime (cs)