Chilean biochemist detained for leading clandestine synthetic drug laboratory in Quintero
A biochemist who manufactured Popper and other synthetic drugs was detained after 18 months of investigation. The PDI seized assets worth 35 million pesos.
Biochemist detained for manufacturing Popper in clandestine laboratory in Quintero
A joint operation by the Police Investigation Service (PDI) and the National Customs Service resulted in the detention of a biochemical engineer who headed a gang dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of synthetic drugs, including Popper, according to eldinamo.cl.
The procedures were carried out in the Valparaíso and Metropolitan regions, and resulted in the apprehension of three men of Chilean nationality.
The investigation lasted one and a half years. The case began after Customs detected more than 100 shipments of supplies for the bottling of the liquid substance, which causes rapid effects of euphoria and muscle relaxation.
The biochemist imported the supplies in his name and later established various companies linked to the chemical and pharmaceutical sector to conceal the operation. On a smallholding located in Quintero, he apparently installed the clandestine laboratory where he manufactured the drug; one of his partners was in charge of packaging and distribution.
The product was marketed in bottles of between 10 and 15 millilitres at a price of up to 15,000 pesos. During the raids, assets valued at approximately 35 million pesos were seized, and a transfer of 60 million pesos linked to one of his operations was also detected.
Johnny Fica, national head of Organised Crime at the PDI, stated that the defendant "had considerable knowledge in these processes for the production of this type of drugs and the handling of chemical substances". According to Fica, the biochemist had apparently travelled to Europe and other destinations with the proceeds obtained from the illicit activity.
Source: Google News CL — Crime