The Lithuanian Prison Service has successfully implemented a ban on loose tobacco, leading to a marked reduction in cases involving psychoactive substance-laced tobacco. The Criminal Intelligence Department of the Lithuanian Prison Service revealed alarming statistics, noting that in the first half of 2025 alone, 66 criminal investigations were initiated under Article 259(1) of the Lithuanian Penal Code, focusing on attempts to smuggle tobacco into correctional facilities, suspected of being sprayed with psychoactive substances. This indicates that loose tobacco was a prevalent method used for distributing illegal substances within prisons.

The situation has seen significant changes compared to earlier in 2025, particularly highlighted by the surge in criminal investigations initiated at the start of the year, with 36 such cases documented by February 28, 2025. This data underscores the critical threat posed by loose tobacco as a vehicle for drug trafficking in correctional institutions. The increased scrutiny on tobacco's role in these illicit activities prompted the prison administration to take action and push for the legislative changes necessary to enforce the ban effectively.

Previously, legislation allowed inmates to possess loose tobacco, but in response to the escalating drug problem, the Lithuanian Prison Service took proactive measures to amend existing laws. These changes aim to prevent the smuggling of not only tobacco but also the psychoactive substances often associated with it. The initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure the safety and security of the prison environment by reducing the prevalence of drugs and enhancing rehabilitation programs within the correctional system.