Finnish authorities have dismantled an international criminal organization suspected of importing at least 606 kilograms of narcotics into Finland. The operation revealed massive quantities of synthetic drugs reaching Finnish streets.
Customs and police in Eastern Uusimaa uncovered the sophisticated drug network moving exceptionally large shipments. Authorities seized approximately 40 million euros worth of street-value narcotics during the investigation.
The criminal group primarily trafficked alpha-PVP, commonly known as 'flakka,' with about 208 kilograms of the synthetic stimulant confiscated. This quantity represents roughly eight million individual doses.
Additional seizures included 69 kilograms of amphetamine, 38.9 kilograms of cocaine, and 56.4 kilograms of ecstasy. The organization operated across multiple countries with sophisticated distribution methods.
Seventeen suspects remain in custody while arrest warrants have been issued for 27 additional individuals. Some suspects are currently detained in absentia as the international investigation continues.
Police described sophisticated marketing tactics where the group sold identical alpha-PVP in different colors. Pink-colored variants reportedly gained particular popularity among users despite containing the same chemical composition.
The criminal network maintained strict operational security by separating different activity levels. Courier systems transported drugs into Finland while moving cash proceeds abroad.
Authorities acknowledged that such large-scale busts typically provide only temporary disruption to drug markets. Customs official Tero Virtanen stated replacement couriers often appear quickly within weeks.
Investigators emphasized that lasting impact requires targeting leadership figures and seizing criminal assets internationally. The current operation has seriously damaged this particular organization's operations.
Police noted the group enforced strict discipline through violent measures when drug shipments went missing during transport. These enforcement actions were documented and reported to higher-ranking members.
The year-long investigation began as a follow-up to earlier criminal cases in Latvia. Evidence trails strongly pointed to Estonia and Latvia as key transit countries for the narcotics pipeline.
While this represents one of Finland's largest recent drug busts, officials acknowledge other major investigations might be ongoing elsewhere. The sheer scale of seized substances indicates persistent demand driving sophisticated smuggling operations.