Latvian Border Guard Intercepts 50 kg Hashish Shipment Near Russian Border, Four Detained

Major Drug Seizure in Balvi Municipality

In a significant operation conducted in September, the Latvian State Border Guard successfully intercepted a large shipment of narcotics, seizing 50 kilograms of hashish near the Russian border in Balvi municipality. The operation led to the detention of four individuals involved in the attempted smuggling.

Details of the Interception

Border guards in Šķilbēni parish, within Balvi municipality, initially identified individuals engaged in the illicit movement of goods towards the border. When confronted, the suspects reportedly attempted to flee. A dedicated dog handler and a service dog were instrumental in locating three bags containing the suspected contraband approximately 100 meters from the state border.

The investigation quickly expanded, leading to further arrests. Border guards subsequently stopped two vehicles on the Cērpene-Balvi road, detaining two Latvian citizens believed to be accomplices in the criminal activity. Shortly thereafter, in cooperation with State Police officials, a Volkswagen Passat was stopped in Balvi municipality, where the primary transporter of the drugs and another accomplice were found and detained. All four individuals apprehended are Latvian citizens.

Legal Proceedings and Official Statements

Following the arrests and seizure, criminal proceedings have been initiated under Section 190, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Law, which pertains to large-scale smuggling.

Guntis Pujāts, Chief of the State Border Guard, emphasized the significance of the bust, stating that '50 kilograms of drugs is a fairly significant amount.' He further noted that 'in recent years, this is the largest seizure of narcotic substances at the green border,' referring to the forested, less-patrolled sections of the border.

Latvia's Role in Drug Trafficking Routes

This incident underscores Latvia's strategic, albeit vulnerable, position as a transit country for international drug trafficking. Hashish, often originating from Morocco, frequently enters Latvia via other European Union states, with onward destinations typically including Russia and Scandinavian countries. The Latvian-Russian border is recognized as a high-risk area for narcotics trafficking.