As Iran has effectively curbed drug-trafficking across its territory, the bulk of drugs produced in Afghanistan has been reaching Russia and Europe through the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union that have porous borders. According to the interior ministry of the Russian Federation, the share of drugs passing through Russia to Europe has dropped from 60 per cent five years ago to less than six per cent today. This means that 94 per cent of the incoming drugs is being consumed in Russia itself. In addition to the heroin coming from Afghanistan, Russians are also consuming cocaine from Latin America and synthetic drugs from Europe. The drug problem in Russia has grown to such alarming proportions that it is now being regarded as the fastest growing drug market in the world.
Drugs are available in Russia in abundant supply and are comparatively cheap.
One can get in Moscow one gram of heroin for just 30 to 40 dollars while the same quantity fetches 180 dollars in the West. This is said to be the main factor behind the rapid growth in the use of drugs and narcotics in the country. Drugs are freely sold at discos and nightclubs and peddled in practically all schools in Moscow. Some of these habitations have nearly cent per cent incidence of drug addiction among their youth. Moreover, as they say, misfortune never comes alone.