The State Police of Latvia discovered narcotic substances worth approximately 500,000 euros with the largest drug trafficking group detained this year, reports LETA.
As reported by the State Police, a criminal investigation was initiated in June regarding the activities of an organized crime group operating in Riga and other regions of Latvia.
On August 26, law enforcement successfully conducted an operation to apprehend members of the criminal group. The operation involved significant police forces, including the anti-terrorism unit "Omega" and a special operations battalion. Given the transnational nature of the crime, international cooperation was also engaged. A total of nine individuals, all citizens of Latvia, were detained at various addresses — both at the crime scenes and at the residences of the suspects.
The police carried out dozens of searches in Riga, the surrounding areas, and in Jelgava. A significant amount of narcotic substances was found in outbuildings and at the residences of the suspects. Approximately 3.1 kilograms of cocaine, 500 grams of "alpha-PVP," and 5.5 kilograms of marijuana were seized. It is estimated that the total value of the seized substances on the black market ranges from 450,000 to 500,000 euros.
Also seized were 30,000 euros in cash and 13 vehicles, including luxury cars.
During the investigation, it was established that each member of the group had a clearly defined role, and there was a pronounced hierarchy within the group itself. The organizer of the crimes was a man born in 1988. He was responsible for importing drugs into Latvia, their distribution, as well as managing the money obtained from the trade. Other members were involved in drug distribution. Among the detainees are also men who stored substances and arranged hideouts in the forest.
The group operated covertly. Some of its members had previously come to the attention of the police and were well aware of the tactics and methods used by operatives, which significantly complicated the work of law enforcement.
This organized group is considered one of the largest uncovered in recent years and one of the most sophisticated. Investigators emphasize that the arrest of these criminals is an important step in the fight against drug crime.
The detainees face imprisonment for a term of five to fifteen years.
Currently, eight individuals have been recognized as suspects. Pre-trial detention has been applied to seven of them, while one has been subjected to a non-custodial measure.
