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Drug smugglers from Spain: 1.5 tons of cannabis to Vienna!
A European drug network smuggled cannabis into Vienna. Authorities uncovered 1.5 tons and numerous arrests.
Drug smugglers from Spain: 1.5 tons of cannabis to Vienna!
In recent weeks, police in Vienna have uncovered a European drug network that was smuggling cannabis from Spain to Austria on a large scale. According to reports from meinkreis.at Around 1.5 tons of the drug were transported within a year. Investigators estimate that the group consists of around 40 people and has numerous connections across Europe.
Eleven suspects have been arrested so far as part of the investigation, which has been ongoing since December 2024. During a search in Vienna, officers discovered several trucks that were each transporting 95 and 110 kilograms of cannabis flowers. Cash amounting to 60,000 euros, firearms and cutting and stabbing weapons were also seized. The drugs were apparently loaded into trucks from Slovenia that made their way to Vienna via France and Italy.
The network and its structures
As investigators found out, the cannabis was redistributed in Vienna and placed in apartments. So far, 13 deliveries have been verified, but the number of unreported cases could be much higher. A suspect who ran cannabis plantations in Lower Austria and Burgenland was located using cell phone tracking. The police also repeatedly observed the suspect's driving routes.
Complaints about the delivery rhythm were caused by the attack of a truck in France during the “Scirocco” campaign. This action also involved foreign authorities and the “Sahara” working group of the Federal Criminal Police Office, which was founded in September 2024. This group was created to counteract the increasing number of North African groups of perpetrators. It is noteworthy that the drugs and buyers found in Vienna can also be assigned to this region.
Social discussion about cannabis
The SPD in particular criticizes the uncontrolled home cultivation options and the legal carry amount of up to 25 grams. Health experts such as the SPD internal affairs expert Sebastian Fiedler warn of an “excellent sales situation” for dealers. With this in mind, numerous medical professionals have expressed concerns about the psychological effects of cannabis on young people.
Risks of legalization
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has supported legalization as a necessary step for a modern drug policy, but he also emphasizes the risks. Between 2011 and 2021, the proportion of cannabis users among young people increased by 50%. Lauterbach and other experts therefore call for the risks to be carefully weighed up. The aim of the new regulations is not only to protect consumers, but also to reduce the black market and educate people about the dangers of consumption. A crucial point will be the increase in the sentence for sales to children and young people, which should be set at at least two years.
From April 1st, adults will be allowed to possess 25 grams of cannabis and store 50 grams at home. Cannabis clubs are also to be created in which up to 500 people can grow plants. Whether these new regulations will reduce or even increase crime in the drug sector remains to be seen. aerzteblatt.de shows that the debate is heated and many questions remain unanswered.