Russian Police Neutralize Gang Delivering Drugs To 20 Russian Regions - Interior Ministry

Russian police have detained members of a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking in 20 Russian regions and seized nearly one tonne of drugs, Russian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk said Thursday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2018) Russian police have detained members of a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking in 20 Russian regions and seized nearly one tonne of drugs, Russian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk said Thursday.

"The activity of a criminal gang was suppressed. The criminals carried out the entire cycle of illicit drug trafficking, including smuggling from Europe to Russia, as well as drugs production in a clandestine laboratory located in the Moscow Region. Particularly, large consignments of narcotic drugs were transported in specially equipped caches in cars to 20 Russian regions," Volk said at a briefing.

According to Volk, transactions were made using various cryptocurrencies and electronic payment systems. In September-October, police prevented three deliveries of huge consignments of drugs and managed to eliminate retail distribution networks in four regions.

A number of "warehouses" have been discovered in the Moscow Region, while persons responsible for supporting their operation and logistics have been detained.

Moreover, 18 people were detained on the territory of six Russian regions, including the leaders of the criminal network, couriers, storekeepers, manufacturers and distributors of drugs, Volk added.

"The police have seized over 950 kilograms [0.95 tonnes] of various narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, 15 pieces of laboratory equipment, more than 160 kilograms of precursors and 1,200 kilograms of chemical reagents," the spokeswoman added.

A criminal case was launched under the article "Organization of the criminal gang or participation in it," Volk said, adding that all the suspects were put into custody.