A judge has ordered closed-door proceedings in the case against a former Danish intelligence officer accused of stealing fentanyl from agency headquarters. The 36-year-old man faces charges for allegedly stealing nearly 600 ampules containing approximately 63,000 micrograms of fentanyl from PET's main facility in Søborg.
The thefts reportedly occurred between January and June 2021. Police intelligence services typically operate under strict secrecy to protect national security interests.
Prosecutor Line Scharf argued that closed proceedings were necessary to safeguard PET's operational methods. The court in Glostrup agreed to the request on Monday.
The former employee also faces charges for gross negligence related to his duties. Authorities found several firearm cartridges in a kitchen drawer during a search of his residence in late June 2021.
The defendant denies guilt regarding the fentanyl theft but admits violating weapons laws concerning the cartridges. His lawyer, Henrik Garlik, stated his client contests the additional charge of professional negligence toward PET.
During the search, police discovered two tablets used for treating addiction to strong narcotics. They also found a freezer bag containing additional cartridges.
In August 2021, a hair sample from the defendant tested positive for fentanyl. The powerful opioid can be detected in urine for 12-24 hours but remains detectable in hair for up to one month after use.
According to Danish addiction treatment experts, fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes it one of the most powerful and dangerous opioids available.
The prosecution revealed that PET reported the case to the Independent Police Complaints Authority after the 36-year-old allegedly confessed his addiction to his wife and a colleague. PET initially recommended arrest and search measures at that time.
The man was arrested in late June 2021 but released later the same day. He appeared calm and well-groomed in court, wearing a shirt and vest.
This case highlights the serious security challenges even intelligence agencies face with internal personnel matters. The combination of stolen dangerous substances and weapons violations raises obvious concerns about potential risks that went undetected.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict on Thursday.