Containers with a white substance were found in Metropolitan Hilarion's car, and he claims he has never been involved in drug trafficking. Earlier, media reported on Hilarion's connections with the FSB.
The authorities in the Czech Republic have detained Metropolitan Hilarion, who was previously the second most significant figure - after Patriarch Kirill - in the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). The detention occurred on May 24 in Karlovy Vary, as reported on Hilarion's Telegram channel.
Containers with a white substance found in Hilarion's car
It is claimed that police officers stopped the ROC hierarch's vehicle for a search. "During the inspection, four small containers with a white substance were found in the trunk. The composition, origin, and nature of the substance must be established only by a competent examination," the statement said.
Hilarion denies involvement in drug trafficking
According to Hilarion's defense, he "categorically rejects any involvement in the illegal possession of prohibited substances and considers the incident a provocation." "I have no and have never had any relation to the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs. For me, as a clergyman, the very suggestion of such is undoubtedly false. I insist on a complete, independent, and procedurally flawless investigation of the incident," his representatives quoted him as saying.
Media reported on Hilarion's connections with the FSB
Metropolitan Hilarion (in the world - Grigory Alfeyev) led the foreign affairs department of the ROC for a long time. After the start of the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine, he was transferred to Hungary to manage the Budapest-Hungarian diocese. However, he did not last long there: after Hilarion's aide accused him of sexual harassment, the metropolitan was transferred to serve in Karlovy Vary.
Czech and Hungarian media reported on Hilarion's connections with Russian special services. In particular, a video was published showing Hilarion shooting at a target in a shooting range with a weapon used by FSB officers. According to the Czech publication Deník N, citing a former associate of the metropolitan, Hilarion claimed that the shooting took place at the FSB headquarters in Moscow.
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