Russia may introduce drug testing for children, students

Russia’s Health Ministry is drafting legislation that would see schoolchildren and students tested for drugs, the country’s chief substance abuse expert said on Wednesday.

Drug expert Yevgeny Bryun said the law would bring in non-compulsory drug checks for school, colleges and workplaces.

Around 30,000 Russians die from drug abuse every year, and the country’s HIV rate is spiraling.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave his backing to the tests in 2009.

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