Riga customs warehouse yields 330 kg of marijuana; four persons detained
Officials from the State Revenue Service's Customs Administration have uncovered a large cargo of marijuana – a total of 330 kilogrammes – at a customs warehouse in Riga. Four persons have been detained on suspicion of involvement in both drug smuggling and sanctions violations.
Riga customs warehouse yields 330 kg of marijuana; four persons detained
Employees of the State Revenue Service (VID) Customs Administration, while conducting an inspection at a customs warehouse in Riga, discovered 330 kilogrammes of marijuana. A service dog aided in the detection of the narcotics, directing heightened attention to cardboard boxes.
Twenty-four boxes contained a total of 330 kg of marijuana. Upon identifying signs of criminal activity, the case materials were handed over to the Tax and Customs Police, which immediately launched a criminal investigation.
Thanks to information obtained through prior operational activities, four persons were detained on suspicion of involvement in both marijuana smuggling and sanctions violations. During the investigation, it was established that a Latvian citizen connected to the criminal activity had previously come to the attention of the Tax and Customs Police. He had organised the sale of lorries and trailers to the Russian Federation in a group with other persons over an extended period, which is prohibited under European Union sanctions regulations.
As part of the criminal investigation, nine searches were conducted at the residences and offices of the detained persons in Riga and Liepāja. Various documents and data carriers were seized. Additionally, property was arrested, including 20 vehicles registered in the names of various companies.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated under article 190.1, second part, of the Criminal Law (smuggling) and article 84, fourth part (sanctions violations). These criminal offences carry penalties of up to ten years, and up to twelve years respectively, of imprisonment.
The investigation is continuing in pre-trial proceedings. Further information is not being released at this time in the interests of the investigation.
Source: LSM
Source: LSM