The number of drug-related crimes has been increasing significantly among young people in Mongolia over recent years. During the first eight months of 2019, for example, the police arrested 294 people linked to 169 drug-related crimes. More than 80 percent of the offenders are young people aged 18-35.

A lack of knowledge about drugs, curiosity, an attempt to make easy money and weak law enforcement have been the main factors in the growth of drug-related crimes, say experts. According to Mongolian law, a person who is found guilty of trafficking drugs currently faces at least two years in prison.

On 16 January, the Mongolian Parliament approved amendments to the Criminal Law which tighten punishment for drug dealers. According to the law, person who is found guilty of bringing drugs into Mongolia will now face 8-15 years, whilst those individuals organising drug trafficking will receive life sentences.