The 47- and 55-year-old Spanish citizens arrived in Estonia from Malaga during the night leading into Wednesday. Based on risk analysis, the passengers were directed to customs control.
During the inspection, customs officers found eight black plastic packages in the suitcase of the 55-year-old man, containing greenish-brown plant material with a total weight of 9.66 kilograms. Eight similar packages were also discovered in the suitcase of the 47-year-old man, containing a total of 8.98 kilograms of the same type of substance.
Customs officers detained the men, and the case was taken over by the investigation department of the Tax and Customs Board, which initiated criminal proceedings for handling a large quantity of narcotic substances. At the request of the prosecutor’s office, the court remanded the suspects in custody for the duration of the pre-trial investigation.
According to Vitali Zajarin, head of the ETCB’s narcotics unit, international criminal groups are constantly seeking new ways to transport narcotic substances into countries. “In such circumstances, effective customs control and risk analysis play a crucial role. The Tax and Customs Board pays special attention to detecting narcotic substances in land, sea, and air transport. Detecting and preventing such offences is an important part of ensuring public safety,” said Zajarin.
Two Spanish citizens suspected of drug trafficking detained at Tallinn Airport
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On Wednesday, 11 March, officials of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) detained two Spanish citizens at Tallinn Airport who are suspected of transporting a large quantity of narcotic substances. A total of approximately 18.6 kilograms of plant-based material was discovered in the men’s luggage, which tested positive for cannabis in a rapid test.
