Czech authorities conclude KORUND operation against illegal psychoactive substances

The inter-ministerial operation KORUND, aimed at combating the illegal sale of kratom, cannabis, and dangerous synthetic psychoactive substances, has concluded with significant results across the Czech Republic. Led by the Ministry of the Interior, the operation involved multiple ministries, including Health, Finance, Industry and Trade, and Agriculture.

Authorities inspected nearly 1,000 establishments and distribution points, finding legal violations in 63 percent of them. The operation documented approximately 900 illegal acts, including 373 suspected criminal offenses. Seizures included nearly half a million products, 3,000 kg of hashish, 1,300 kg of kratom, 11.7 tons of low-potency cannabis, and 22.6 kg of synthetic cannabinoids. Additionally, 169 risky domains were identified, 25 online stores were blocked, and offerings were removed from 96 vending machines.

In the Hradec Králové region, police seized nearly 5,000 products, while the Jičín region saw the seizure of nearly 1,300 items, including over 600 from a single general store. Laboratory tests on over 3,000 samples revealed that 87 percent contained dangerous synthetic psychoactive substances.

Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar stated that the results show inspections alone are insufficient and emphasized the need to close legal loopholes to better protect the public, particularly children and adolescents. In response, ministries are working on 16 legislative and 17 organizational measures to reduce the availability of these substances.