Eight drug dealers and users detained in Markučiai
Eight individuals detained in Vilnius's Markučiai district, seven preliminary investigations launched into drug offences. Residents complain of a renewed problem, with fentanyl being the most popular substance.
Eight drug dealers and users detained in Markučiai
Drug trafficking has increased in Markučiai district, located in the south-eastern part of Vilnius. Residents observe that intoxicated people behave aggressively in streets and public spaces, leaving dangerous waste scattered about.
One neighbour recounted an unfortunate incident outside a residential building: a man experienced a seizure and collapsed at the stairwell door. The residents called an ambulance, but the patient recovered and fled. Another resident recalled New Year's Eve, when a man with needles in his hands suddenly collapsed face-first on the asphalt—an emergency call had to be made again.
Parents raising teenagers feel anxious about safety. They say they do not allow their daughters to walk far from home because they constantly see intoxicated people in corners. Views from windows show groups gathering near abandoned buildings and passing prohibited substances to one another.
City authorities have been monitoring the problem since 2023. Representative Viktorija Turauskytė explained that the situation calmed somewhat in winter, but as the weather warmed, both consumption and trafficking became active again. During warmer months, dependent people seek out green spaces and abandoned plots.
The capital's administration has taken measures: it is strengthening territorial supervision and increasing the number of uniformed officers. A low-threshold project is also in operation, allowing free needle exchange. Despite these efforts, the situation is not improving.
Law enforcement has launched seven preliminary investigations. Eight suspects have been detained. The most commonly detected substance is the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is particularly dangerous.
Deputy police chief Marekas Gulbinovičius states that additional forces are working in the district. According to him, the roots of the problem date back to the times of the demolition of the camp—some of the people who lived there moved to Markučiai.
Residents are urged to report suspicious cases using the general emergency number.
Information compiled from: LRT
Source: LRT