Two Spouses from Chudovo Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Providing Premises for Use
Local authorities report that a husband and wife from the Novgorod region were found guilty of selling narcotic substances and of offering their home as a venue for drug use. The decision was announced by the district attorney’s office.
According to the case materials, the couple operated in Chudovo and in 2022 engaged in the sale of drugs. They repeatedly allowed residents in their residence to consume narcotic substances, effectively turning their home into a hub for drug use. The investigation and subsequent proceedings laid out a pattern of behavior that included several acts of selling drugs and facilitating consumption at the same location.
In March 2022, investigators conducted an undercover operation that culminated in the purchase of more than 0.5 grams of illegal substances from one of the defendants. The transaction was carried out for a total of 2,500 rubles, and the purchase formed part of an operational test purchase aimed at establishing the scope of the illicit activity.
During the court proceedings, both spouses admitted responsibility to some extent but did not fully acknowledge all charges. The court nonetheless found them guilty of providing systematic premises for the large-scale sale of illegal drugs and for enabling the use of narcotics by others. The ruling reflects a conclusion that the couple played an active role in creating and maintaining an environment conducive to drug distribution and consumption.
As a consequence, the male defendant was sentenced to eight years and ten months in a strict-regime penal colony, while the female defendant received eight years and four months in a general-regime facility. The penalty aligns with the seriousness of the offenses, emphasizing the authorities’ position on organized support for drug trafficking and the harm caused to the community.
The second item of interest concerns a separate case involving a so-called psychologist from St. Petersburg who allegedly connected a 22-year-old patient to LSD and MDMA. This incident was reported recently as part of ongoing efforts to monitor illegal drug distribution and improper therapeutic practices. The case underscores concerns about professionals who may contribute to drug use through coercive or coercive-like methods and highlights the need for strict adherence to medical and psychological ethics, as well as for robust oversight to protect vulnerable individuals. [Source: district attorney’s office and regional law enforcement reports].