According to Vitali Zajarin, Head of the Anti-Drug Division of ETCB´s Investigation Department, the Latvian citizen who crossed the border was stopped based on previously obtained risk information. “When the vehicle was stopped, the man’s explanations regarding the reasons for his arrival in Estonia raised suspicions, and the vehicle was therefore directed to additional customs control. During the inspection, we found a package containing a beige powdery substance under the front seat, which tested positive for amphetamine in a rapid test. As a result, the ETCB detained the man as a suspect in a criminal offense,” Zajarin explained.
According to Zajarin, in recent years there has been an increase in the smuggling of synthetic drugs, primarily driven by their low price per dose, lack of geographic association, and potential for illegal profit. “Synthetic substances are the most affordable for consumers, but they rapidly lead to addiction and increase pressure on the healthcare and social welfare systems due to associated social and health problems. Every successful detention is an important step in preventing the spread of these substances and helps protect society from their negative consequences,” Zajarin emphasized.
Liisi Kisler, the prosecutor leading the case at the Western´s District Prosecutor’s Office, noted that according to studies by the National Institute for Health Development, amphetamine is one of the most common narcotics. “This means that amphetamine is an important commodity for drug criminals. Therefore, seizing any amount of amphetamine disrupts the functioning of the drug market and thereby reduces the societal harm caused by narcotics,” the prosecutor explained.
The Pärnu District Court granted the prosecutor’s request and placed the suspect in custody for two months.
The criminal investigation is being conducted by the Investigation Department of the Tax and Customs Board, with the Western District Prosecutor’s Office leading the proceedings.
