By A major drug operation was dismantled on Thursday in one of Europe’s most intolerant countries with regard to drug laws. It is the latest move in a series of efforts to curb drug trafficking and organized crime in the country.
On December 1, police seized about 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of drugs in a city near Stockholm, with a total value of about 80 million kroner or US$7.6 million, according to Swedish police.
According to police, the largest portion of the drug, 260 kilograms (573 pounds), was amphetamine, and the rest of the drug’s type was not specified.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of serious drug offenses in Tileso, south of the Swedish capital Stockholm. Police also searched another house at the Tileso location where a large amount of drugs were found in a storage room of an apartment complex.
“This is a very large seizure. Said Associated Press. Wickland added that it was the result of “a long period of aggressive work”, adding that drug trafficking was “massive and [expensive] serious organized crime. ”
It follows a similar operation last month in which Stockholm police detained 21 people and seized cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value between 50 million and 100 million kroner, or $4.8 million to $9.6 million.
Zero Tolerance to Drugs and Medical Cannabis in sweden
This is bad news for those involved, given Sweden’s particularly tough stance on drugs. The Transform Drugs Policy Foundation says that while Europe is relaxing cannabis and drug laws, most of Sweden has:The country maintains a zero tolerance policy.
“…the extent to which Sweden’s low rates of drug use can be attributed to its repressive approach is highly questionable. Studies consistently show that broader social, economic and cultural factors contribute to drug use. The Transform Drug Policy Foundation wrote:
Some organizations believe in Sweden’s zero tolerance policy increase harmA Traveling Performer Drake learned this the hard wayThis is in stark contrast to neighboring Denmark, which in the past has experimented with innovations such as: drug consumption room.
The country is also less enthusiastic about medical cannabis.Recent study A study conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden attacked the “positive press coverage of cannabis” despite what they called poor results. arguing that cannabis is no better at relieving pain than a placebo, medical cannabis is a myth.
Sweden’s drug-free policy doesn’t work
But is Sweden’s rigorous approach to drug use working? That is debatable. Blow is also particularly popular in Nordic countries.
a study A statement by state broadcaster SVT found that cocaine in Sweden is becoming more popular, cheaper and purer each year. forbes report General drug arrests have increased by almost 300% since 2012, reflecting an increase in customs drug arrests. In 2018, Swedish customs seized 485 kg of cocaine, the majority of which was 298 kg and 98 kg, two large seizures.
The report also reveals that the drug is causing more deaths. According to data from the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, cocaine is said to be responsible for 20 deaths, compared with just one a few years ago.
Sweden’s zero-tolerance approach to drugs may also affect alcohol consumption. Swedish college students report drinking more than US college studentswhere drug laws were frequently relaxed.
