Residents of Chechnya report detentions while trying to buy alcohol

On the New Year's Eve, in Chechnya, law enforcers held raids against sellers and buyers of alcoholic beverages; about 20 people were detained, residents of Chechnya report, noting the intensified control over the only shopping centre in Grozny, where alcohol is officially sold.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Chechen authorities are pursuing an anti-alcohol policy. In December 2017, sale of alcoholic beverages at shops of Grozny was restricted. After that, law enforcers began detaining buyers of alcohol from among local residents, while not touching military servicemen and residents of other regions, Grozny residents said.

"We decided to buy a couple of bottles of champagne and a cognac on New Year's Eve to spend time with our friends. We went to one place, where alcohol was sold from home; at the exit, they roped us and took us away, along with the seller, to a police station, where they kept us through the New Year and for the next two days. The only reason is that we bought alcohol; we didn't violate anything; and we were not drunk," said Akhmad, a resident of the Vedeno District.

At the same time, residents of the republic note that to buy alcohol, if desired, is not difficult.

"This campaign to combat drunkenness is in fact not worth a damn. Who drank will continue drinking, despite any prohibitions," said Alkhazur, a local resident.

Let us remind you that before the New Year holidays, law enforcers stepped up security measures in Grozny and on December 25, conducted a passport check. Besides, residents of Grozny reported large-scale raids on city roads.