Seized Subutex tablets. Photo: Finnish Customs
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A Lithuanian organised crime network is suspected of smuggling and distributing large quantities of drugs in Finland between September 2023 and November 2024. The narcotics were primarily transported from France in passenger cars and vans, according to an investigation by Finnish Customs and the Western Uusimaa Police Department.
Authorities believe the group smuggled drugs into Finland in multiple shipments and delivered them to local distributors. The substances entered the country via Tornio and Turku.
Janne Kallio, lead investigator for Finnish Customs, said the traffickers used conventional smuggling methods.
“The drugs were either hidden in luggage or in specially built compartments within vehicles. The smugglers drove through Sweden, likely to obscure their travel routes,” he said.
Once in Finland, the shipments were handed over to distributors, mainly in the Western Uusimaa region, before being spread nationwide. Most of the recipients and dealers were Russian and Estonian nationals residing in Finland.
Investigators determined that the operation involved smuggling over 350,000 Subutex tablets, more than 10 kilograms of cocaine, 52 kilograms of amphetamine, and 60 kilograms of marijuana into Finland.
During the investigation, authorities seized 82,586 Subutex tablets, 1.15 kilograms of amphetamine, 139 grams of cocaine, and 1.8 kilograms of hashish in Finland and Sweden. Cash totalling €169,180 was also confiscated.
The total street value of the seized and distributed drugs is estimated at €13 million.
Fourteen suspects have been detained on charges of aggravated drug offences.
Tuomas Kuure, lead investigator at the Western Uusimaa Police Department, said the smuggling operation was orchestrated from abroad.
“The investigation has revealed that the entire operation was managed from outside Finland,” he said.
The case has been referred to the prosecutor’s office for consideration of charges as of January.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
