Record Ketamine Seizure Linked to International Smuggling Ring

Czech customs officials have seized a record 115 kilograms of ketamine, hidden in cosmetics and bound for Canada. Investigators said the drug was concealed in jars labeled as hair powder, with nearly a third of the 1,000 packages containing crystalline substances. The shipment could have been worth up to 250 million crowns on the Canadian market. Three foreign nationals have been arrested and face up to 18 years in prison.

Most Czech Infants Already Watching Videos

More than half of children under one year old in the Czech Republic regularly watch videos on phones or televisions, despite recommendations to avoid screens entirely at that age. A STEM survey found that 41% of children aged one to two spend more than an hour a day in front of screens, rising to 68% among preschoolers. Experts warn this level of exposure may delay speech development, disrupt sleep, and increase the risk of mental health issues.

Czechia Backs EU Plan to Limit Entry for Russian Soldiers

The Czech Republic has backed an EU initiative to restrict entry for Russian military personnel into the Schengen Area. The proposal, supported by countries including Poland, Finland, Sweden, Romania, Germany, and the Baltic states, will be discussed at an upcoming summit in Brussels. The EU has raised concerns about risks linked to former prisoners recruited into the Russian military and is considering new visa restrictions.

Czechs Exercise More Than EU Average

Around 44% of Czech residents exercise regularly, above the EU average of roughly 38%, placing the country eighth overall. Younger people are the most active, while adults are more likely to fall out of regular routines. Lack of time remains the biggest barrier, cited by nearly half of respondents, alongside low motivation, health issues, and financial constraints.

Russia Targets Czech-Danish Production Over Child Filming Claims

Russia has accused the makers of Mr. Nobody vs. Putin of filming children without parental consent. The Presidential Human Rights Council has called for an investigation by Oscar organizers and UNESCO, claiming the film misused footage of minors. Directed by Pavel Talankin, the Czech-Danish co-production portrays life in a school in Karabash, an industrial town in the Urals, and explores the impact of propaganda on students.

Average Teacher Salary in Czechia Rose to CZK 53,346 in 2025

The average gross monthly salary for teachers in Czechia rose by 5.7 percent last year to CZK 53,346, according to data from the Education Ministry, reelased on Thursday. That equals about 108 percent of the country’s average wage. The average salary in Czechia increased by 7.2 percent last year to CZK 49,215, meaning teacher pay remains below the level set out in law.