Moscow, April 27:  The Russian government is mulling over legalising cocaine, according to Russian daily, Izvestia. These new rules coming to light as the FIFA world cup is approaching near.  The world cup will be played from June 14 – July 15 in Russia.

Russia’s no-nonsense approach to recreational drugs has been diluted after it forged an alliance with Belarus and Kazakhstan. The Eurasian Economic Union which consists of five ex-Soviet countries allows foreign visitors to one of the five countries bring in narcotics and mood-altering drugs with them. The list of drugs legalized includes cocaine and heroin and marijuana.

The entire supplement to the drug regulation is 383 entries long. All the drugs mentioned in the supplement are legal but doctor’s prescription is mandatory. This prescription should be in Russian language and properly notarised. In addition to this, the note should mention the quantity of drug prescribed by the doctor.

According to the World Cup organising committee, security personnel will allow only the ones with an authorised prescription. Drugs will probably be in consumed by other means, as smoking is illegal during the matches. According to the report of the daily, the health ministry's addiction psychiatrist Yevgeny Brun is not in favour of legalising these drugs and allowed to be taken inside the stadium. Brun said, “I do not think that people who come to the World Cup will start dealing marijuana. They are not bringing in that much.” According to him, the entire situation inside the stadiums could turn ugly because Russia will also be selling beer made by an official World Cup sponsor. English speaking doctors will be present inside the stadiums to attend a medical emergency.

According to the report, alcohol will not be sold within a two-kilometre radius of stadiums and fan zones in the Moscow where the tournament is being hosted. A Moscow government rule announced this week said the sales restriction will cover "alcohol and refreshment drinks in glass containers.” reported Izvestia. This sales ban is likely to be adopted by other 10 Russian cities where the matched will be played.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 27, 2018 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).