MPs in the Legislative Chamber have passed the first reading of the Narcotic Drugs and Potent Substances bill, the lower house of parliament's press service reported.
The bill regulates the circulation of narcotic drugs, potent substances and precursor chemicals, and lays out steps to combat drug addiction and drug-related crime.
The legislation clarifies the powers of state bodies and organizations working in this area, with the State Commission for Drug Control tasked with coordinating their efforts.
Relevant agencies would be assigned to counter new methods of drug crime, including offenses committed online, to identify illegal drug labs, and to shut down trafficking networks.
The bill also includes steps to combat the laundering of proceeds from drug crimes. Under the proposed law, a court could order a legal entity dissolved if it is found to have committed a drug-related offense or conducted financial transactions to launder such proceeds.
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