Eleven people, including a martial arts champion, have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in a drug ring operating in Chisinau. It is believed that the drugs, smuggled from Belgium, were supposed to reach Russia, IPN reports.

Police spokesperson Adrian Jovmir told a news conference Tuesday the 11 arrested people had ages between 25 and 35 years. They originate from Anenii Noi and Chisinau's suburbs, and there is also a Russian citizen among them. Their supposed leader, aged 33, is a martial arts champion. The investigations and arrests were carried out in Chisinau.

Physical and home searches revealed herbal and synthetic drugs, including 500 grams of amphetamine, 1.5 kilo of marijuana, 1 kilo of hashish, as well as an illegally-held pistol and ammo.

The suspects are in custody and face from 7 to 15 years in prison.