Translated with AI
From September 22 to 26, 2025, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) conducted the international subregional anti-drug operation "Channel-Western Dvina." The goal of the operation was to disrupt the entry of drugs, their precursors and analogues, new psychoactive and potent substances into the CSTO region of responsibility, neutralize transnational drug trafficking groups, eliminate underground drug production, and undermine the economic foundations of the drug trade. This was reported by the CSTO press service.
Law enforcement agencies, border and customs authorities, state security services, and financial intelligence units from CSTO member states, as well as observers from China, Iran, the UAE, the UN, the EAEU, and the CIS, participated in the operation. An international coordination headquarters was deployed at the Plissa Sports and Concert Complex in the Vitebsk Region (Belarus). A total of approximately 23,000 employees from relevant agencies were involved in the operation.
According to preliminary data from national authorities, approximately 5.7 tons of narcotic and psychotropic substances were seized during the operation, including over 3.1 kg of mephedrone, 3.5 kg of α-PVP, approximately 2 tons of marijuana, 267 kg of hashish, 110 kg of heroin, and over 265 kg of precursors. Additionally, 21 firearms and approximately 8,900 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
524 drug-related crimes were identified, including 94 committed by groups and 12 related to smuggling. Two drug labs were dismantled, and 310 individuals were detained, including 99 who were wanted. 460 websites used to disseminate prohibited drug information were identified.
Financial departments monitored over 1,000 suspicious financial transactions involving more than 260 individuals suspected of drug trafficking. The total value of the identified transactions exceeds 400 million rubles. Cryptocurrency and banking transactions of 65 individuals suspected of illegal drug transactions were suspended.
Observers from China and Iran confirmed the seizure of large quantities of drugs on their territories during the operation.
The CSTO press service noted that coordinated actions by law enforcement agencies of the organization's member states have contributed to a significant reduction in the threat of drug trafficking in the region.
