The Graz criminal police have staged a mega coup against drug-related crime: the detectives discovered a Serbian gang growing and selling cannabis on a large scale in Graz and Vienna – about a ton a year! Five suspects have been arrested and are in custody.
It all started at the beginning of this year with a tip from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department. What investigations started by the narcotics group of the Grazische Criminal Police could have come from the scenario of a movie about drug lords: the focus of the investigations was a specially rented villa with about 560 square meters in the Mariatrost district of Graz. A search of the home in March found officials found an industrial indoor cannabis plantation spread over four floors containing nearly 1,500 plant pots.
About 20 kilos of cannabis leaves were found as “residual goods”, larger quantities have probably been taken before. An installation operator, a 35-year-old Serb, was arrested during a house search.
Cobra agents arrested the main perpetrators in Vienna
About two months later, further investigation and observations led the police officers to four other drug production sites in Vienna. There, Cobra agents arrested the main perpetrator, a 39-year-old Serb, and three other suspects, including a woman. The perpetrators had also rented some exclusive premises in Vienna for their drug deals.
Further breeding inventory and 40 kilos of hemp were secured. In June there was another entrance, but the plantation had already been abandoned.
Investigations against lenders continue
The five suspects, aged between 31 and 46, are currently being held in Graz-Jakomini Prison. With one exception, they remain silent about the allegations, according to the police. Other people, including money lenders in the Western Balkans, are under investigation. According to the police, the investigation is particularly difficult because the suspects use encrypted courier services to communicate.
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.
