Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday signed into law a bill stipulating life sentences for selling drugs in especially large quantities, the president said on his website.
Previously, drug dealing was a crime punishable by maximum 20 years in prison.
The new law also stipulates confiscation of property obtained as a result of drug trafficking.
Punishment for selling drugs in penitentiary facilities and public places was also toughened.
The law will come into force 180 days after being published.
