A training and information centre at the headquarters of the Mongolian National Police Agency has been opened, in an effort to combat drug-related crimes.

The centre aims to improve people’s knowledge of drug risks, reduce drug-related crimes, and prevent drug addiction among young people by organizing related trainings and providing people with the information they need.

The number of drug-related crimes has been increasing significantly in Mongolia over recent years. Since the beginning of the year, the police have arrested 130 people linked to 67 drug-related crimes. More than 80 percent of the offenders are young people aged 18-35.

A total of 199 drug-related criminal cases were registered across the country in 2018, up more than 30 percent on the previous year.

A lack of knowledge about drugs, curiosity, an attempt to make easy money and weak law enforcement are the main factors in the growth of drug-related crimes, said experts.

According to Mongolian law, a person who is found guilty of trafficking drugs faces at least two years in prison.