Thousands of individuals in the Altai region face struggles with drug addiction, numbering approximately 36,000.
In the city of Biysk, Russia, a wave of vandalism has left public and private spaces defaced with drug advertisements. According to a report by Bankfax, citing the regional health ministry, these unauthorized ads promote illicit substances or unregulated products, violating local laws and contributing to social issues within the community.
Details of the Incident
The vandalism spree involved multiple locations across the city, with advertisements appearing on walls of buildings, fences, and public spaces. The ads often contained provocative or misleading messages aimed at attracting attention to illegal drugs or unverified substances. Local authorities were alerted by concerned residents and business owners who noticed the sudden appearance of these ads, many of which were offensive and obscured legitimate signage or murals.
Impact on the City
The presence of drug-related ads can increase public concern about safety and contribute to a perception of rising drug activity in the area. Legitimate businesses affected by the vandalism faced potential reputational damage and costs associated with cleaning and repainting their properties. City officials have responded by increasing monitoring and enforcement, including surveillance and patrols in affected areas.
Community groups and local government are also working on awareness campaigns to discourage drug use and improve the city’s image. The incident has sparked discussions on the effectiveness of local regulations regarding public advertising and the need for harsher penalties for vandalism.
Drug Dependence in the Altai Region
The Altai region, where Biysk is located, has seen a decrease in drug dependence in recent years. In 2025, 36,200 patients with drug dependence were registered, a 3% decrease from 2023. Among these patients, 85% are men. In 2024, the emergency service in Barnaul, the regional capital, assisted 9,800 people in a state of drug or alcohol intoxication, with half of them being sent for treatment.
Treatment for drug dependence involves several stages. The first stage is emergency narcology, which lasts for 14 days. The second stage is inpatient rehabilitation, which can last for 1-3 months. The third stage is outpatient rehabilitation, which can last up to 3 years. The majority (46%) of drug-dependent patients are between the ages of 20 and 39, with 45% between the ages of 40 and 59. Only 1.9% of the drug-dependent patients are minors.
Rehabilitation for drug dependence is carried out at the Altai Regional Narcological Dispensary in Barnaul, with additional facilities in Biysk, Zarinsk, and Rubtsovsk.
The vandalism with drug ads has had a disruptive social impact in Biysk, prompting a coordinated response from authorities and citizens to restore safety and order in public spaces. The city continues to address the issue, working towards a cleaner, safer environment for its residents.
