Final chapter in one of Salzburg’s biggest drug cases: the world trade in 13.8 million Captagon tablets. The eight convicts have now received even stricter prison sentences during the appeal procedure.
All eight convicts had to swallow hard when the Senate of Judges of the Higher Regional Court corrected the imposed prison sentences – and made them significantly harsher – during Thursday’s appeal hearing in the Regional Court of Salzburg. Twelve years instead of nine for the main perpetrator, eight instead of six and a half for the son, five and a half instead of three for the woman. The sentences for five other family members and accomplices also increased significantly; in one case even doubled from three to six and a half years. The sentences for the eight people now range between twelve and four and a half years. Before that, they were between nine and two and a half years old.
Reason: The court weighed the large quantities of Captagon tablets differently. As readers of “Krone” know, the case is one of the largest drug-related criminal cases in Salzburg: as part of a criminal organization, the convicted trafficked 13.8 million tablets of the jihadist drug Captagon and earned 40 million euros. A pizzeria in Bürmoos was a transfer point for the international drug trade.
Originally developed as a medicine
Captagon was developed in the 1960s as a drug to treat ADHD, for example. It contains the active substance fenetylline, which is considered an addictive substance. This has a similar effect to amphetamine and directly affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. The side effects can include death. The pills are said to have been smuggled from Lebanon via the EU to Saudi Arabia. The drugs were first transported by sea to Belgium and then to Bürmoos – hidden in the hollow spaces of rolls of plastic film. There they disappeared into industrial pizza ovens, washing machines and other electrical appliances.
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.
