Drug trafficking organised group dismantled in Ventspils — three men detained
The State Police has halted the activities of an organised group engaged in illegal circulation of narcotic substances in Ventspils. Two of the three detained men have previously been convicted of similar offences.
Organised drug distribution scheme ended in Ventspils
The Ventspils Regional Department of the Criminal Police Bureau of the Kurzeme Regional Division of the State Police has halted this year the illegal activities of an organised group in the circulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances in Ventspils, reports Google News LV — Crime (lv). The materials of the criminal case have been submitted to the prosecutor's office for the initiation of criminal proceedings against three men.
The first detention took place in February of this year — a man was apprehended on suspicion of illegal circulation of substances, and during a search of his garage in Ventspils, narcotic and psychotropic substances were found in large quantities. Continuing the investigation, it became clear that behind this case stood a larger group of persons operating as an organised group.
Group structure and division of roles
The investigation established that the organised group was founded in the summer of 2025. Its leader coordinated the acquisition, delivery, and transportation of narcotic and psychotropic substances for further sale in Ventspils, and also ensured the collection and transfer of funds obtained from sales. The other group members received substances on the leader's instructions and sold them.
Upon the detention of the group leader, 5.1525 grammes of white crystalline substance containing 2-methylcathinone and 16 tablets containing 7.5750 grammes of MDMA were seized from his residence. In the garage space, 16 grammes of dried marijuana and approximately 27 grammes of plant mixture containing marijuana were found, whilst in an auxiliary room — 18 grammes of dried marijuana and 453.74 grammes of plant mixture containing marijuana.
Home greenhouse with 43 marijuana plants
The property also contained a specially equipped room with heating lamps and a greenhouse in which optimal conditions for plant cultivation were maintained — the necessary heat, light, and humidity regime. The space contained 43 marijuana plants; the total mass of their upper parts in undriedform reaches 812.76 grammes. The substances contain tetrahydrocannabinol — the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Additionally, the investigation established that the group leader organised the legalisation of criminally obtained funds: cash was withdrawn from ATMs or deposited into other persons' accounts to conceal its origin.
Cocaine fell from clothing of suspected person
In a separate incident, a black wallet containing white powdered substance was found on a Ventspils street. Expert analysis determined that it contained 11.94 grammes of cocaine. The wallet had fallen from the clothing of one of the persons under suspicion.
The group members stored and transported the narcotic and psychotropic substances in accordance with the previously established division of roles — each performed their function in the realisation of a common criminal intention.
Prior convictions of two of the three detained men
One of the detained men had previously come to the attention of the State Police and was convicted — he was released from prison in March of last year. Regarding the second man, information has been obtained that he was convicted in another country for illegal circulation of narcotic and/or psychotropic substances. Both have been subjected to a security measure — detention. The third man had not previously come to the attention of the police.
The investigation against all three persons for illegal circulation of narcotic substances and legalisation of criminally obtained funds has been completed.
Anticipated punishment
According to the Criminal Code, for unauthorised circulation of narcotic or psychotropic substances, if committed by an organised group and in large quantities, imprisonment from five to fifteen years is threatened, with possible confiscation of property and probation supervision for up to three years. For legalisation of criminally obtained funds as part of an organised group — imprisonment from three to twelve years with possible confiscation of property. The sentence will be determined by the court.
The State Police reminds that the circulation of intoxicating substances in Latvia is illegal and punishable, and urges residents to report suspicious persons by phone 112, the confidential phone line 67075444, or by writing to [email protected].
No person is considered guilty until their guilt has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)