MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI) – Russia’s Federal Drug Control Service has submitted a proposal to the government that would amend legislation to allow the drug agency to require diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation under a government-financed program for drug users suspected of administrative crimes, Izvestia newspaper writes on Tuesday.

The service has also asked for the right to monitor drug addicts’ medical treatment.

The idea is that when considering punishment in these cases the court could offer a medical alternative including an examination and then possible medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Article 6.9.1 of the Administrative Offences Code, which will come into force on May 25, 2014, reads that drug users will be held responsible for evading these measures if they have been appointed by the court.

Previously, medical amnesty was only offered to first-time offenders who committed a minor crime under the influence of drugs, such as petty theft or hooliganism that are punishable by up to five years in prison.

Under Article 72 of the Criminal Code (the length and commutation of sentences) and Article 82.1 (the deferral of imprisonment of drug addicts), the court can substitute imprisonment with obligatory medical treatment.

To avoid serving time in prison, a convict must accept obligatory medical treatment and rehabilitation and subsequently be in remission for two years, as confirmed by a doctor. Convicted addicts who refuse to undergo medical treatment will be sent to prison.