vlad.tribnet.com / Issue #146 / Crime watch / Reading article...

Marijuana raids haul in 124 in Ussurisk, cops say

In the last two months two marijuana fields were burnt, 124 people were arrested for various drug charges, and 49 cases were brought to court, a representative of Operation Konoplya (Cannabis) in Ussurisk reported.

Militia officers believe that more is to come, as July and August are the major harvesting months for the drug.

The number of drug cases brought to court this year has increased as a result of a new Criminal Code that demands stricter punishments for crimes involving narcotics. Previously, defendants could be prosecuted for possessing 5 grams of marijuana. The new law, however, has lowered that amount.

---

124 Chinese sent home

Spassk police recently raided markets in Spassk-Dalny and a settlement in Spasskoye to check if Chinese in the community were obeying visa rules. Only one person out of 125 had valid documents, and was released. The rest will be sent home.

Look out for fake 100,000’s

Primorye officials report that a number of faked 100,000 ruble notes, made with a color photocopier, are circulating in Primorye. Last week forged notes appeared inUssurisk, Kirovka, and Mikhailovka. Counterfeiters choose crowded markets and shops to use the fakes, officials said.

Businessman found stabbed to death

On July 14, water rescuers from Fyodorov Bay found the body of a Moscow businessman buried on Russky Island. Investigators from the Frunzensky District Internal Affairs department identified the victim, who was stabbed to death. Officials said he had no mob connections here.