The regional prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal case against a resident of Novopolotsk for the illegal possession of psychotropic substances without the intent to sell.

For 46-year-old Alexander (name changed by the author), life after divorcing his wife was quite "merry": temporary jobs alternated with week-long drinking binges. However, such pastimes usually do not end well. Thus, it came as a surprise to Alexander that a criminal case was initiated against his "drinking buddy" Pyotr for the illegal possession of psychotropic substances without the intent to sell, which he had also acquired in Alexander's apartment. Materials for a check on the possible sale of psychotropic substances to Pyotr were sent to the Department of Internal Affairs.

During the check, it was established that Alexander, acting illegally and intentionally without the intent to sell, possessed the medicinal preparation "Klofelin," containing a dangerous psychotropic substance, at his place of residence in Novopolotsk from March 30, 2006, to October 12, 2018.

During the check, he claimed that the medicinal preparation belonged to his grandmother and that he was unaware of its prohibited properties.

However, during the review of the materials at the regional prosecutor's office, his arguments were deemed unfounded.

Thus, the arguments about his lack of awareness of the properties of the medicinal preparation "Klofelin" found with Alexander are far-fetched, as information about it is common knowledge. Moreover, the medicinal preparation was stored in its original container in a clearly visible place for a long period, and Alexander could not have been unaware of its presence in the apartment. Assuming the specified preparation belonged to Alexander's grandmother, after her death in 2006, Alexander did not dispose of it but continued to store it in his dwelling.

Furthermore, in accordance with clauses 9 and 11 of the Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus No. 1 dated March 26, 2003, "On Judicial Practice in Cases of Crimes Related to Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Precursors and Analogues, Potent and Poisonous Substances," illegal possession of psychotropic substances should be understood as any intentional actions related to the actual presence of such substances.

of means and substances in the possession of the offender (on the premises). Liability for storage arises regardless of its duration. To bring to liability for illegal storage of psychotropic substances, it is irrelevant whether they belonged to the offender or another person.

In this regard, the regional prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal case against Alexander under Part 1 of Article 328 of the Criminal Code for illegal storage of psychotropic substances without intent to sell.

The sanction of the article provides for punishment up to 5 years of imprisonment.

Prosecutor of the Department for Supervision of Inquiry and Operational-Investigative Activities
A. Zaikin