Organised drug trafficking group dismantled in Ventspils — three detained, large quantity of substances seized
State police have shut down an organised group's operations in drug trafficking in Ventspils; three men have been detained and materials handed over to the prosecution authority.
Ventspils police dismantle drug network — three men detained
Officials from the State Police Kurzeme Regional Administration Criminal Police Bureau Ventspils Regional Division have this year halted an organised group's illegal activities in drug trafficking in Ventspils. According to Google News LV — Crime (lv), criminal case materials have been handed over to the prosecution authority to initiate criminal proceedings.
The investigation began in February this year, when a man was detained in Ventspils on suspicion of illegal substance trafficking. During a search of a garage in his use, narcotic and psychotropic substances were seized in large quantities. Continuing the criminal proceedings, investigators found that behind the detained man stood a larger group of persons operating in the form of an organised group.
Group structure and operations
The investigation established that the organised group was formed in the summer of 2025. Members agreed among themselves on a division of roles: a leader organised the purchase, receipt, and transportation of narcotic and psychotropic substances to Ventspils and the further movement of proceeds. Group members, acting on the leader's instructions, received substances and sold them in the city.
To conceal criminally obtained income, the leader organised the transfer of money to other persons' accounts and cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Seized substances
During a search at the leader's place of residence, 5.1525 grammes of white crystalline substance containing 2-methylcathinone and 16 tablets containing 7.5750 grammes of psychotropic substance MDMA were seized. From the garage premises, 16 grammes of dried marijuana and approximately 27 grammes of plant mixture containing marijuana were seized. From an auxiliary room — 18 grammes of dried marijuana and 453.74 grammes of plant mixture containing marijuana.
On the property, in a specially equipped room, 43 marijuana plants were found with conditions secured for their growth — heat lamps, greenhouse, appropriate temperature, light and humidity regime. The total mass of the plants' upper parts in undried form amounts to 812.76 grammes; they contain tetrahydrocannabinol — the narcotically active component of cannabis.
On Ventspils Street, a black wallet with a white partially compressed powdered substance was found. Expert examination determined that it contains 11.94 grammes of cocaine. The wallet had fallen from the clothing of one of the suspects.
Previous convictions of the detained
One of the three detained has previously come to the attention of State Police — he was released from prison in March of last year. Information has been obtained about the second man that he was convicted abroad in connection with illegal drug trafficking. Both have been subjected to a security measure — detention in custody. The third man has no previous contact with police.
Criminal law sanctions
Under the Criminal Law, for unauthorised purchase, storage, transportation or sale of narcotic or psychotropic substances, if committed by an organised group and in large quantities, imprisonment of five to fifteen years is provided for, with or without confiscation of property and probation supervision for up to three years. For legalisation of criminally obtained funds, if committed by an organised group, imprisonment of three to twelve years is threatened, with or without confiscation of property. The specific punishment will be determined by the court.
State police note that the circulation of intoxicating substances in Latvia is illegal and punishable, and urge residents with suspicions about drug trafficking to contact telephone 112, the State Police trust line 67075444 or write to [email protected].
No person shall be considered guilty unless their guilt of committing a criminal offence has been proved in the manner laid down by law.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)