Customs officers in Riga seize 330 kg of marijuana; four Latvians detained for smuggling and sanctions evasion
Revenue Service officials with the help of a service dog discovered a large drugs cargo in a Riga warehouse. Four Latvian citizens were detained; one of them was previously involved in the sale of freight vehicles to Russia in violation of EU sanctions.
Customs officers in Riga seize 330 kg of marijuana; four Latvians detained for smuggling and sanctions evasion
In June, employees of the State Revenue Service's Customs Department conducted an inspection at one of Riga's customs warehouses. A service dog, specially trained in detecting narcotics, indicated suspicious cardboard boxes. They contained 24 packages of marijuana, with a total weight of 330 kilogrammes including packaging.
Following this discovery, the Tax and Customs Police initiated criminal proceedings. Using previously obtained operational data, law enforcement authorities detained four individuals. All those detained are Latvian citizens.
During the investigation, it was established that one of the group members had previously come to the attention of police. He, together with others, had for an extended period organised the sale of freight vehicles and trailers in the Russian Federation. Such activity is prohibited under European Union legal acts concerning sanctions.
Law enforcement authorities conducted nine searches at the residences and offices of those detained in Riga and Liepāja. Documents and data storage devices were seized. Property was also arrested, including 20 vehicles that were registered in the names of various traders.
Criminal proceedings were initiated under two articles of the Criminal Law. Article 190.1, part two, provides for punishment for narcotics smuggling—imprisonment of up to ten years. Article 84, part four, provides for punishment for sanctions violation—imprisonment of up to twelve years.
Pre-trial investigation continues in order to establish all circumstances of the matter. In accordance with article 19 of the Criminal Procedure Law, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt is proved in the manner prescribed by law.
Source: LVportals.lv
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)