Years of investigation and a large number of trials later, the public prosecutor wants to accuse the leader of a large drug network. The 40-year-old is charged with four plantations and more than half a ton of cannabis. He doesn’t deny that. Yet he was not the head of the drug cultivation and trade. It’s life imprisonment!
“We’re not talking about three men in their midlife crisis lighting a joint after a barbecue,” the prosecutor recalled. A leading member of a drug gang is said to be a member of the Vienna regional court. “We have more than ten people here who have worked professionally. You cannot grow cannabis more professionally,” said the public prosecutor.
Many members have already been convicted
Years ago, the investigative services came to know about the drug gang through an anonymous tip. The major attack followed in June 2018: Nine arrests and various house searches were the result. Much of the gang has already been convicted – a 40-year-old remains behind. He traveled to Serbia after the start of his first trial two years ago. Was therefore not tangible for the judiciary until now. Now he too has to take a seat in the quay.
Growing and trading 523 kilos brought him before a jury. “The accusation is accurate to the gram,” admits his lawyer Nikolaus Rast. He defends together with lawyer Philipp Wolm. A jury trial because the man would have been the head and financier of the drug operation. In an emergency, that means life imprisonment. Four hemp plantations have been discovered and linked to the 40-year-old.
The cannabis trade originated in the Balkans
But the accused drug kingpin says, “I’ve never been the boss!” Otherwise, he wants to ask for your understanding that he won’t say anything more. His lawyer Rast knows why: “There are people who are so dangerous that the suspect does not want to name names.” And these people would have been the real leaders in the drug trade.
The jury agrees and sentences the accused to seven years in prison as a regular member of a criminal organization and for drug trafficking. The verdict is not final.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
