Drugs: Belarus has strict law

Belarus: man faces trial for possession of prohibited substances, law is strict even for small quantities

A 31-year-old resident of Minsk will be prosecuted for illegal possession of psychoactive substances, a crime that in Belarus is pursued even if there is no intent to sell.

According to reports from the Frunzensky District Prosecutor's Office, the man had been using drugs for about ten years. In August 2025 he worked temporarily on a construction site and used the money earned to purchase online a gram of alpha-PVP, a psychoactive substance considered particularly dangerous.

That same evening he went to the "Kosmos" park to retrieve the hidden "delivery" (zakladka), but was stopped before he could succeed. Drug agents recovered the substance thanks to GPS coordinates found on his phone.

The man, unmarried and unemployed, already had two convictions for property crimes (now expired). He was formally charged under Article 328, part 1, of the Belarusian Penal Code — illegal acquisition and possession of psychoactive substances without intent to sell. He confessed and will have to undergo mandatory treatment for drug addiction.

A travel ban and obligation to sign have been imposed against him.

📌 Why this case matters for foreigners

Belarusian drug legislation is much stricter than that of many European or Western countries. Even for small amounts of cannabis or other substances, and even without intent to sell, a criminal procedure is provided for.

👉 Many foreigners underestimate this aspect, but local law does not distinguish between "soft" and "hard" drugs: any possession is punishable.
👉 There are no "tolerated" thresholds for personal use.
👉 Penalties can include large fines, community service, restrictions on liberty, or even imprisonment.