Finnish court sentenced members of drug network operating in Estonia to lengthy prison sentences
A Finnish court sentenced 27 people for membership in an international drug network. The group smuggled over 600 kilogrammes of drugs into Finland, with a street value exceeding 40 million euros.
Finnish court sentenced members of drug network operating in Estonia to lengthy prison sentences
A Finnish court sentenced 27 people on Thursday for membership in an international drug network. The group smuggled over 600 kilogrammes of drugs into Finland during 2023–2025. On the street market, the value of the substances exceeded 40 million euros.
Of the confiscated drugs, approximately 200 kilogrammes was synthetic alpha-PVP, which was imported into the country in different colours. In addition, the network smuggled amphetamine, cocaine and cannabis. The substances were stored in, among other places, apartments in the Hentta district of Espoo on Puistokatu. Criminals also used hiding places in forest areas for distribution.
The majority of the network members were Estonian citizens. According to the court, the group was not a unified organisation, but in several cases the characteristics of organised crime were met. Some of those convicted were found to have acted as members of an organised criminal group.
Most of the accused denied their guilt. According to the investigation, a 39-year-old man who was extradited from Spain under a European arrest warrant in January acted as one of the principal planners. He led the group's activities and hired people to transport drugs through Estonia into Finland by car, including using Viking Line ferries.
Another key figure was a 41-year-old man whose role in organising drug imports and distribution was recognised as central by the court. The court stated that the network's activities may have involved persons operating outside Finland, but they were not convicted in this proceeding.
The case also involved acts of violence. One of those convicted stated that another party assaulted him over a drug debt in a car boot with a metal rod and a hammer, whilst a third party filmed the incident on video.
During the investigation, the Finnish police received assistance from Latvian law enforcement authorities, including information about the suspects' whereabouts and surveillance materials. Investigators also used DNA test results and telecommunications data. From the apartment on Puistokatu, notes were confiscated that contained markings of types of drugs, dates and prices.
Sentences were imposed mainly for serious drug offences, as well as for serious assault and money laundering. Some charges were dismissed.
The principal offenders – 39-year-old Jānis Jakupcevičs and 41-year-old Anatolijs Mihailovs – received the maximum sentence of 13 years imprisonment. Egon Grossthal (36), Riiho Ootsing (63) and Margo Villemson (55) were sentenced to 12 years in prison. Artur Lember (31) and Daniel Tarve (35) each received 11 years imprisonment. Additionally, 22 other people were sentenced to at least two years in prison.
Among those convicted are also Finnish and Latvian citizens. Women were also convicted.
Source: Google News EE — Crime (et)