| Competing with Duterte? |
[RT] Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov has likened the threat from drug abusers on the roads to that of terrorists, telling ministers that security forces must not hesitate to use lethal force to ensure public safety. At a meeting with ministers and religious leaders Kadyrov said, "To hell with those who violate order in the Chechen Republic, they should be shot dead. It doesn’t matter if it's against the law… shoot them dead! Got it? ... that's the law!” The chief Chechen apparently lost his temper after learning about the sharply-rising rate of traffic-related deaths caused by drug intoxication.
Last year Chechnya introduced strict laws that enabled police to strip intoxicated drivers not only of their driving licenses, but of their cars as well. However, that measure has failed to significantly change the situation. Chechen authorities also limited the sale of alcohol from 8am-10am. Following the restriction, the number of people using drugs in the form of pills instead of alcoholic beverages soared.
Recently, Kadyrov said that terrorism would be fully eradicated in the republic, and that the next step would be a war on drugs. He said, "We have neutralized thousands of bandits [terrorists] that came here from dozens of countries. A set of measures helped us change the situation with drugs. According to various sources, Chechnya is one of the most successful regions in this regard," adding that there is still no place for complacency.