Two of the three foreign nationals detained on suspicion of drug dealing in Astrakhan have admitted their involvement. This information is provided by the press center of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, as reported by TASS and later confirmed by official channels.
During interviews released in a video, one of the defendants explains his itinerary. He traveled from Kyrgyzstan to Russia, where he lived in Moscow and worked on a construction site. He says his initial move to the Stavropol region was deliberate, with the intent to purchase drugs. From there, he traveled to Astrakhan with the plan to sell the illicit goods. In his account, the motive was financial gain. The second accomplice claims he did not hesitate and promptly sold all of the illegal substances in his possession.
According to MOS press briefings, on the evening of November 20, twenty people were hospitalized in Astrakhan due to methadone intoxication. Medical staff reported that almost all hospitalizations were serious, underscoring the severity of the incidents and the strain on local healthcare resources.
Subsequent reports indicate that three men in the Stavropol region were detained on suspicion of distributing drugs in connection with the Astrakhan investigation. The evolving case points to coordinated activity across multiple areas, highlighting the challenges authorities face in tracing supply chains and curbing illegal distribution networks.
Earlier in the year, authorities in the Leningrad region treated a separate case involving a fifteen-year-old boy who was hospitalized after drug exposure. The incidents collectively underscore ongoing concerns about drug misuse and the importance of public safety measures and rapid medical intervention in the region.
Experts in public health and law enforcement note that incidents like these illuminate the broader risks associated with illegal narcotics, including the dangers of methadone misuse and the potential for harm when substances are traded on the street. Officials emphasize the need for robust monitoring, prevention programs, and community awareness to reduce trafficking and protect vulnerable populations. The case in Astrakhan serves as a reminder that international and cross-regional links can complicate investigations, demanding careful collaboration between regional authorities and federal agencies to dismantle networks and pursue accountability.
As investigations continue, authorities caution residents to stay informed through official channels and to report suspicious activity promptly. The evolving nature of the case means further updates are anticipated as more details emerge from ongoing inquiries and court proceedings.