SRI employee and IGSU serviceman investigated for drug trafficking in Bucharest clubs
An employee of the Romanian Intelligence Service and a serviceman from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations are being investigated for drug trafficking in clubs and at concerts. 22 people have been arrested on remand.
State institution employees involved in drug trafficking network
According to tvrinfo.ro, an employee of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) and a non-commissioned officer from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) are under criminal investigation for drug trafficking. The two operated in clubs, at concerts and festivals, and also online in private groups, using distinctive symbols to identify their clients.
The network to which they belonged sold eight types of prohibited substances, ranging from veterinary anaesthetic to cocaine. Judicial sources cited by tvrinfo.ro claim that the two state institution employees followed strict rules and sold exclusively ecstasy in clearly designated locations.
TVR journalist Marius Popescu stated that both suspects were monitored for a period, after which authorities conducted controlled purchases. During a search of the SRI employee's residence, several tablets from the "Pink owl" category, a type of ecstasy with high potency, were discovered.
Network members had clearly demarcated zones within clubs — toilets or groups of three or four tables. At festivals and concerts, space was divided by sectors. The non-commissioned officer from the secret service was documented at a festival held in the autumn of last year in Sector 3 of the capital, and the IGSU employee sold drugs in a club located near Lake Floreasca.
Mihai Zlat, vice-chairman of the SNPPC trade union, stated that this concerned two servicemen who "lured by the promise of money, participate in such a criminal group", adding that police and prosecutors "made no allowance for the positions held by these individuals and proved their criminal activity".
Anti-drug expert Cătălin Țone stated that the case demonstrates that "the phenomenon of drug trafficking and consumption has spread to the area of law enforcement units in Romania" and called for the implementation of urgent measures, including periodic testing and regular psychological evaluation of personnel.
In total, 22 people are being held on remand in this case. The IGSU employee is under judicial control. When contacted by TVR News, IGSU distanced itself from any actions that contravene the legal framework. The SRI has not transmitted an official point of view.
Source: Google News RO — Crime (ro)