The police arrested five men who are suspected of forming part of a criminal group that transported 100 kg of hashish from Spain to Moldova. The drugs were to be sold in Moldova and Russia. According to the police, this is the largest quantity of hashish ever seized, IPN reports.

In a news conference on February 6, the head of the General Police Inspectorate Ion Bodrug said the investigation lasted for about six months. Five persons were arrested on February 3. The suspects are aged between 27 and 59 and are from Chisinau, Soroca and Ialoveni. One of them is a former employee of the prosecution bodies.

In Spain, one kilogram of hashish was bought for €700 and was to be sold in Moldova for €1,700, while in Russia for €2,700.

Nicolae Chitoroaga, of the Prosecutor General’s Office, said in Spain the drugs were hidden in containers with detergent and were transported by a route minibus with trailer.

Two of the suspects were placed under arrest for 30 days, while in the case of the other three the court will issue arrest warrants in the near future. Two of those arrested were earlier tried for keeping drugs.

Nicolae Chitoroaga stated that as a result of the searches performed in the garages and cars of the suspects, the police found narcotic substances of another kind and objects banned in Moldova.

A criminal case over illegal circulation of narcotic substances in large amounts, organized by an organized criminal group, was started. One more case is to be opened over smuggling. The suspects face 7 to 15 years in jail. Measures are now being taken to identify other persons involved in the illegal scheme.