Finnish police uncover massive cocaine gang

Police officers in the Finnish city of Vantaa, in the heart of the country’s metropolitan area, have uncovered one of the nation’s largest organised cocaine distribution rings. Fifteen suspects in all have been detained by authorities for questioning, with five already placed into detention. Among the suspects, one has links to security personnel training in the hospitality industry.

In addition to the suspected Finnish nationals, the drug ring also features Nigerian, Gambian, French and Syrian citizens with the operation involving a complex network of European trafficking. The estimated amount of cocaine smuggled by the gang last year was 1.5 kilograms – which equates to a street value in the vicinity of 150,000 euros from around 86,000 doses. Cross border movement was done through couriers swallowing egg-sized containers full of the drug, says a report by YLE.

Police also raided several residences in Vantaa which resulted in more confiscated narcotics totalling 350 grams. Authorities claim that the seizure is one of the largest ever recorded in Finland but fear that the amount is possibly only 10 percent of the total consignment imported.

The main suspect in the bust is a security trainer, with the Finnish national being alleged to have been acting as a wholesaler for the illicit trade. His home was targeted by police officers who retrieved cocaine, a large amount of cash and even a police-style Glock 9mm handgun. His role in training restaurant security personnel has been questioned given that much of the cocaine was apparently sold inside the city’s dining establishments and associated parties. Prosecutions are forecast for late in the month.