After confirming the seizure of a large quantity of drugs several days ago, on June 23 the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Special Cases said that it was determined preliminarily that the heroine totals over 200 kg and a Turkish citizen is the main suspect involved in this case. There were also arrested one more Turkish man and three Moldovans, IPN reports.
In a news conference, the head of the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Special Cases Ion Caracuian said that seven persons were arrested initially, but it was later determined that two of them didn’t have any involvement and they were set free. The other five suspects – two Turkish men and three Moldovans - were arrested and remanded in custody for 30 days. They are accused of smuggling and distribution of drugs and face a maximum jail term of 15 years.
The group started to be followed last December following communication with counterparts from Ukraine. A man from Turkey bought an economic activity in Moldova, creating a positive history. He imported building materials and devices for sanitary facilities. At a certain moment, he introduced drugs into the merchandise. The drugs made in Iran were taken by sea to Russia and from there were transported to the Republic of Moldova via Ukraine.
Ion Caracuian noted that the drugs were to reach the EU, but the destination was finally changed to the Transnistrian region. The main suspect acted practically alone and was very prudent. Each of the about 1,100 briquettes were placed in bricks. The Moldovans dealt with the identification of the space where the drugs were stored and with vehicle rental.
The exact quantity, quality and value of the heroine on the black market will be established as result of a thorough analysis. The drugs will be destroyed after a final judgment is passed.
