Jul 14, 2011

The Green Curse

Hemp is a versatile plant. It’s used for making fiber ropes, fabrics, paper and oil. However, it’s mostly known as a raw material for drug production. And though it grows in all Central Asian states, Kazakhstan (or rather its Shu valley) seems to be the most notorious place in this respect.


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This man is the terror of all Shu criminals. He’s name is Bolatbek and he’s the Head of the department that combats drug trafficking in the city of Shu.

Taking into account the specific features of this work, even men on duty are always in full combat readiness.

It’s difficult to imagine a combating drug trafficking organization without canine units. Specially trained search dogs are the most effective means of detecting drugs. A German Shepherd dog named Pirate is able to search for drugs, weapons and even catch criminals.

Today, the canine unit is going to comb a railroad area where a large concentration of wild hemp grows. The group consists of two police agents, a dog expert and Pirate.

To be able to move on rough terrain, the department has two cars – the Niva and the UAZ. But the policemen complain that they need at least a cross-country vehicle to successfully operate in such conditions.

The combing of an area includes the detailed observation of terrain, tracks and roads and the search of natural shelters where criminals could hide.

In this area, the density of wild hemp is particularly high.

Suddenly, Pirate smelled something.

Without revealing themselves, the policemen spotted some man hiding in high bushes.

Having surrounded the stranger, they arrested him following a well-established pattern. All this happened in just a few seconds.

This is a real arrest. A resident of Shu was taken red-handed while collecting hemp.

It’s not allowed to show his face until his identity is verified and the court passes sentence.

A few days ago, not far away from this place, the police arrested another resident of the city of Shu who had 6.4 kg of marijuana and o.5 kg of cannabis with himself.

Having done all that was required of him, Pirate is having a deserved rest inside a car.

The detainee was taken to the local police station and put into a temporary detention facility until the clarification of the circumstances.

The previously mentioned unfortunate drug dealer is held here as well.

Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code provides 3 years of imprisonment for drugs possession and 3-7 years for their distribution.

Bolatbek has been working in the police for 15 years. He says, it’s a hard job, and, as usual, there is never enough people and equipment.

The title of the book “The future without drugs”.

The territory of the Shu valley occupies more than 138 thousand hectares. This is a very large area, and to monitor all that happens there is almost impossible.

Aspara Station is located about 18 km far from the city. The greater part of arrests takes place in this area. Local marijuana is of a very high quality and notable for strong psychoactive properties.